Mr. Seward to the Chevalier Bertinatti.

Sir: I have the President’s directions to express to you the satisfaction he has derived from the despatch which was addressed to you by Baron Ricasoli on the subject of the Trent affair, a copy of which you so kindly put into my hands.

This government, after a full examination of the subject, decided that it could not detain the persons taken from the Trent by Captain Wilkes without disavowing its own liberal interpretations of the law of maritime war. It rejoiced, therefore, in the accidental circumstance that had given it an . opportunity to show the same devotion to the freedom of commerce as a belligerent that it had always before manifested as an interested neutral power. If at any time the government had entertained doubts of the wisdom of its proceeding in the case, they would all now disappear at once before the congratulations which it is receiving from the most generous and enlightened nations that have been passionless observers of the transaction. Among those nations, while all have spoken with cordiality and without reserve, none have spoken with truer magnanimity or more manifest sincerity and earnest sympathy than the kingdom of Italy, the newest and most free of those nations founded upon the principle of the sovereignty of the people. Her utterance comes evidently from the very heart of a people who yet remember the sad experience how liberty is certainly lost through the loss of their national unity. Have the goodness, Mr. Bertinatti, to assure the Baron Ricasoli, and through him the great and chivalrous Prince who reigns over Italy, that their persuasions to the restoration of the American Union, in its amplest constitutional proportions, shall be early submitted to the American people. They will have more than ordinary prophetic weight as the voice of a nation that is risen from among the dead.

The American government and people are unanimous in their wishes for the peace, prosperity and happiness of Italy.

Be pleased to accept, sir, the renewed assurance of my very high consideration.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD

Chevalier J. Bertinatti, &c., &c., &c.