Message of the President of the United States to the Two Houses of Congress, at the Commencement of the Second Session of the Thirty-seventh Congress

Mr. Seward to Mr. Judd.

No. 7.]

Department of State,
Washington, July 26, 1861.

Sir: Mr. Wright’s despatch, No. 177, dated June 22, was duly received.

Baron Gerolt has handed to me a copy of the instruction from his government, to which Mr. Wright refers. I have acknowledged the tenor of that paper as not unacceptable, but I agree with Mr. Wright in thinking it desirable that the strongest possible expressions be obtained from Prussia for their moral effect.

Our army on the Potomac encountered a reverse on the 21st, which, for the moment, produced a shock; but the evil effects of the disaster have already passed away, while a more vigorous and determined resolution exists now than ever to strengthen and preserve the Union.

We have put all the candidates recommended to us by Baron Schleinitz into military employment.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Norman B. Judd, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Berlin.