The morning looked rather threatening, but I preserved in taking my bath in the sea. The surf did not appear high, and yet I was dashed about by it in a rougher way that I have experienced before. Nevertheless I think that it does me good. After breakfast I began to work on a note to Lord Russell, under instructions just received by the last Steamer. It is one of the difficult kind of papers which I have been compelled to present ever since I have been here. It relates to the claims growing out of the depredations of the Alabama, the presentation of which became so annoying to the government here that Lord Russell became testy and urged that it should cease. I consented to wait until I could learn what my government desired in the premises The Secretary has at last sent an answer carefully drawn which I can direct to make the basis of my reply. I drew the form today. After luncheon over to drive with Mrs Adams, with Mary accompanying on horseback. I meant to go to Sedlescombe, but as it began to look more threatening we turned off by way of Westfield and Hastings home. In the evening, read the remainder of Mr Seward’s speech. It is long, elaborate, and in portions of it very heavy. I doubt the discretion of it much. On the other hand there are portions of it which are very strong as against the course of Great Britain, and I think unanswerable. It has not had much effect here for it has not been reprinted. Lord Russell’s notice in his speech was not what made it known the most.487