Adams, Charles Francis

(1807–86) diplomat; born in Boston, Mass. (son of John Quincy Adams, grandson of John Adams). He practiced law in Boston, wrote and edited family histories, and served in the Massachusetts legislature as a Whig. He was a member of the House of Representatives (Rep., Mass.; 1859–61). As ambassador to Great Britain (1861–68), he skillfully lobbied to keep Britain neutral during the Civil War. He declined the presidency of Harvard University, but served as one of the University's overseers.

References in periodicals archive

Seward's optimistic words to Adams were, "I trust that the British government will consider the subject in a friendly temper, and it may expect the best disposition on the part of this government." Adams, Charles Francis Adams, p.

(36) Adams made notes of his conversation with Russell about the Trent problem, and recorded that the foreign secretary admitted, referring to impressment, that "there were many things said and done by them [the British] fifty or sixty years ago, which he might not undertake to enter into a defense of now." Adams, Charles Francis Adams, pp.

The American Civil War and British intervention: the threat of Anglo-American conflict

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