Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Your despatches Nos. 199 and 200, with their enclosures, have been received.
These despatches both refer to the same matter, to wit: the military condition of things at home. I am happy to learn that neither the people nor the government has given way to despondency. The north has the material for success, moral and physical, and if it maintain its persistent, unshaken resolution, the result cannot be doubtful. I find that American citizens in Europe are more despondent than their countrymen at home. In despite of themselves, they are infected by the atmosphere around them. American newspapers, as I have before said, are, as a whole, little known to the larger portion of the continental press. These last supply themselves with the gleanings of American news from London newspapers, more especially from the London Times. This journal, though in conversation generally repudiated by Englishmen as an exponent of national feeling, is yet, I believe, the best existing exponent of the popular feeling of that country. It is, in fact, as in name, “The Times.” Its articles are extensively copied on the continent, and even with those who distrust the paper, and dislike the people, they give direction to public opinion. It thus happens that our citizens abroad have constantly before them but one, and that the darkest and most distorted view of the condition of things at home. They run constantly to the legation for comfort, and it is a pleasure at least to be able to say to them I have had reassuring despatches from your department.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
His Excellency William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.