Mr. Pike to Mr. Seward.
[Extracts.]
The Hague, June 14, 1861.
Sir: I received yesterday your circular of the 20th of May, relating to the purchase of articles in Europe, contraband of war, for the use of persons in insurrection against the United States government.
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The extraordinary unanimity and energy displayed by the government and loyal people of the United States in their measures to suppress the rebellion of the seceding States excites constant comment and high admiration in all quarters on this side of the Atlantic. The echoes of the first utterances of the British trading public, in favor of permitting the peaceable secession of the revolting States, have quite died away, and, instead, is now heard denunciation of the folly and madness of the secessionists, along with the expression of a general judgment that they will inevitably be forced to succumb. The growth of this sentiment, fostered by the character of the almost daily news from America, is strengthening the cause of the government on this side of the Atlantic and correspondingly weakening the cause of the secessionists. I think, therefore, that the whole weight of European opinion, which naturally desires a speedy end to the war, will soon be thrown in great force against the revolting States, and thus furnish important moral aid in putting an end to the struggle. I am satisfied, from what has come under my personal observation, that the high tone adopted by the United States government in regard to foreign interference in behalf of the secessionists has had a most salutary influence upon the action of European governments, great and small. Many of them have no objection to seeing the United States in difficulty; but they entertain a healthy apprehension that our government may find a speedy way out of it, and retain a lively recollection of those who would take advantage of its temporary embarrassments.
I have the honor to be, with high respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. Wm. H. Seward.
Secretary of State.