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. 16.]

Department of State,
Washington, October 21, 1861.

Sir: Your despatch of September 24 (No. 8) has been received. It treats of many matters interesting, though not of chief importance. Your proceedings in regard to them are approved. Disunion, by surprise and impetuous passion, took the first successes, and profited by them to make public opinion in Europe. Union comes forward more slowly, but with greater and more enduring vigor. This nation, like every other, in the present as in all other cases, stands by its own strength. Other powers will respect it so long as it exhibits its ability to defend and save itself. More, perhaps, ought not to be wished; certainly it could not be reasonably expected.

I am, &c.,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

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