Mr. Haldeman to Mr. Seward.
Sir: * * * * * * *
It is impossible to convey to you the excitement and joy created in this city by the news of the naval battle between the Monitor and Merimack. Captain Ericsson is a Swede; born, and educated in this city; his brother, Colonel Ericsson, whose acquaintance I have made, is engineer-in-chief of all the railways in Sweden and Norway. Captain Dahlgren’s parents were Swedes who emigrated to America; hence they say, with that pride peculiar to a brave and spirited though numerically weak nation, that a Swede invented the Monitor, a Swede invented the guns with which she was armed: “Ergo,” how great is the obligation—the debt of the United States to the genius of Sweden. We have also received a telegram of the great victory near Corinth. No one now doubts of a speedy termination of the rebellion and triumph of the government. The result of my diplomatic experience is that in all international affairs respect and sympathy are the natural para sites of success. * * * * * *
I remain your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.