Mr. Seward to Mr. Judd.

No. 21.]

Sir: Your despatch of December 14 (No. 14) has been received.

Your suggestions to Count Bernstorff concerning the difficulties between the United States and Great Britain were by no means improper, they being distinctly understood to be made in the exercise of your individual judgment, and not with any authority on the part of this government. Moreover, we deem it fortunate that they were made, because they elicited the expressions of friendly interest on the part of the government of Prussia towards the United States. We reckon always confidently on this friendship. It is a moral element of great value,

We entertain a good hope that by steadily practicing good faith and all possible liberality towards foreign states we shall avoid the dangers of foreign war, which the insurgents are so busily endeavoring to bring down upon the country which they have vainly devoted to destruction. The success of our cause in arms and in the convictions of the people is steady and increasing.

I have read with interest your account of political events and prospects in Prussia. Our best wishes are that the government may be successful in its endeavors so to conduct its affairs that it may advance the prosperity, welfare, and freedom of a great and enlightened people.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

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