Mr. Seward to Mr. Wood.
Sir: Your despatch of March 18 (No. 54) has been received.
We are not discontented that the Danish government do not incline to enter into a treaty just now modifying belligerent rights in maritime war. We have made overtures in good faith to the great maritime powers. They have declined to entertain them, except on conditions which we cannot concede. Events are not unlikely to affect the relations existing between those powers, and they will probably in due time find it their interest to renew the debate with us. It would be unavailing for any great purpose to negotiate with the lesser powers, and our motives in doing so would perhaps be misapprehended by the greater states. I have noticed, with much interest, the recent debates on the general subject in the British Parliament, and I regret that Mr. Cobden’s ill health prevented the world from receiving the great argument which was expected from him.
All things cannot be done at once. We have occupation enough arising out of our civil war. Let us recover our unity and with it our prestige, and then we shall be able to reappear as reformers among the nations.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Bradford R. Wood, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Copenhagen.