[Extracts.]

Mr. Judd to Mr. Seward.

No. 18.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of despatches Nos. 21, 22, 23, and 24, bearing dates, respectively, the 8th, 10th, 13th, and 25th of January, 1862.

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[Page 546]

An American citizen, residing at Hamburg, has informed me that certain persons whose names he furnished, were at Hamburg, on their way to Berlin, “to see the King” on behalf of the rebellious States. I did not think there was enough of importance in the gossip of Hamburg to create any serious anxiety, but took the necessary steps to ascertain the whereabouts of the men here, and hope to find out their business, if they have any. At Count Bernstorff’s reception I mentioned to him that roving confederate emissaries were in Europe, and that some of them were reported to be in Berlin, and inquired of him whether he had heard from any such persons. He replied in the negative, and added that he knew of no good reason why his government should have anything to do with them.

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Your reply to the Prussian note on the Trent affair, which the newspapers have published, has been very well received everywhere, and the Union success in Kentucky is causing universal rejoicing, as the harbinger of the speedy overthrow of the rebellion. May the ardent hopes it has given rise to not again be disappointed.

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

N. B. JUDD.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. G.