Mr. Seward to Mr. Motley.

No. 22.]

Sir: Your very interesting despatch of October — (No. 8) has been received.

The portion of this paper which relates to the internal condition of Austria is the more appreciated here because the views which it presents will be quite new to a large part of the American public. They are entirely sustained by the small number of our travellers who are content to sojourn long enough in Austria to inform themselves well concerning its people, their habits and their resources. If this civil war of ours breaks up many a natural illusion which we have fondly cherished, it at the same time is rich in instructions which, I am sure, will not hereafter be hastily forgotten. The dignity, justice, forbearance, and moderation which the royal imperial government has practiced in regard to the unhappy civil war in which we are engaged will be preserved among the grateful incidents of the most critical era in our national life. It will be strange if it do not result in the establishment of a permanent friendship between the two countries. Your observations upon the condition of affairs in this country are very lucid and wisely hopeful.

I give you, for your more particular information, a copy of my despatch of this date to Mr. Adams. It will serve to confirm your faith in the stability of the government.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

J. Lothrop Motley, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Vienna.