Mr. Pike to Mr. Seward.
Sir: * * * The late correspondence of the great powers with Russia in regard to the Polish insurrection is engrossing a very large share of the attention of European statesmen just now, and there is a feverish apprehension of a general disturbance. The disclaimers of the interfering parties are, however, sufficiently explicit to show that of their own motion they will not go to war in behalf of the Poles. And I cannot see any evidence that public sentiment is either united enough or strong enough to bring on hostilities against the wish of the existing cabinets. * * * *
The rapid and great successes of our arms at all points is having its just influence, and has blasted the lately raised expectations of the partisans of the southern cause. The movements in their favor caused by the advance of Lee into Pennsylvania have come to a dead halt, and all the bloated hopes of triumph recently entertained and expressed with such undisguised exultation have suddenly collapsed. The impaired military prestige of the government has been entirely restored by the recent events, and we hear no more of the sarcasms and insults in which of late the hostile press of Europe have been wont to indulge.
I am without any of your favors since my last.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington.