Mr. Seward to Mr. Pike.

No. 90.]

Sir: Your despatch of February 11 (No. 75) has been received.

Congress has adopted, from among the measures which the national exigencies suggested, those which its wisdom has approved for the prosecution of the war to a favorable conclusion. They are energetic and comprehensive. The condition of the forces is favorable; their positions are satisfactory, and the tone of the public mind is believed to be improving.

Experience has shown that it has been impossible to conform the policy of the government, in a crisis of civil war, to the views and wishes of European statesmen, who, reasoning from present European interests, regard a peace, however obtained and at whatever cost, preferable to a prosecution of the war at all; and who, at every stage of the controversy, see only the difficulties, embarrassments, and disappointments of the nation, and take no notice of the contraction and exhaustion of the insurgents. I am, sir, your obedient servant.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

James S. Pike, Esq., &c., &c., &c.