Mr. Seward to Mr. Marsh.
Sir: Your confidential despatch of September 1, (No. 51,) relating to the capture, imprisonment, probable trial, and ultimate fortunes of General Garibaldi, has been received. The proceeding you adopted in writing unofficially a note to a distinguished Italian statesman upon the subject, as well as the note itself, seem to have been equally inoffensive and judicious, and they are approved by the President.
As you are well aware, the policy of this government is entire abstinence from all participation in controversies between foreign states, and even more complete abstinence, if that were possible, from connexion with domestic agitation in any foreign state.
Under these circumstances, the information that jealousies of the United States have arisen in Italy is received with much surprise. The President has not recognized at all the insurrectionary movements which have recently occurred in Italy, and has proclaimed no neutrality between the state and the insurgents. We know there only the government, the authorities, and the flag of the kingdom of Italy. If American vessels have carried supplies to the insurgents, the fact is unknown to this government, nor has an intimation of such a proceeding, or such a purpose even, been received by the government or any of its responsible authorities.
If any consul of ours has taken a part in these proceedings, he will be brought under the censure of the government, and will not be allowed to retain consular functions. If any naval officer in our service has lent aid to the insurrection, he will be deprived of his command. Intent upon the public defence in the domestic struggle in which we are engaged—seldom free from apprehensions of foreign interference in that struggle in favor of the insurgents—this government intends that if it shall ever come from any quarter, it shall come not only without right, but without even provocation or other excuse. You will judge whether it is important to communicate any and what part of this instruction to the government of his Majesty. In any case, you will inform him that no foreign desire is more sincerely cherished by the United States than that for the stability, peace, prosperity, and welfare of the kingdom of Italy.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
George P. Marsh, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Turin.