Mr. Seward to Mr. Schurz .
Washington, September 5, 1861.
Sir: Your despatch No. 7, dated August 6, has been received. I can very well understand that you were deeply distressed by the first reports of the battle at Bull Run. Those reports grossly exaggerated a disaster which was sufficiently afflicting in its real proportions. The exultation of persons and classes in foreign nations prejudiced against our country and its institutions is one of the penalties we pay for the civil discord into which we have fallen. But even a very limited experience of human nature will enable us to practice the necessary equanimity in such a crisis. Changes of habit and policy are necessary to national growth and progress. We have had little reason to expect that such changes in our case should always be effected without the occurrence of some disorder and violence. Let us be content that the country has virtue enough to pass the ordeal safely, and that when it is passed, our prosperity will be greater and more assured than ever.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Carl Schurz, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Madrid.