Mr. Pike to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 13th of August, (No. 115,) and your circular despatch of the 12th of the same month, with an accompanying map, giving an exposition of the military situation; all of which are attentively considered.
Political affairs are comparatively quiet.
The conference of German sovereigns at Frankfort has ended; with what success in the main purpose of consolidating their power against France remains to be seen. England approves and encourages the movement. France throws cold water on the proceedings, notwithstanding the real object of the conference is veiled under other pretences.
Some of the French journals are engaged in the effort to show that the United States have no cause of hostility to the effort to establish an empire upon the ruins of Mexican independence. The argument proceeds upon the assumption that France does not desire to do any offensive political act towards the United States, and so far intimates inactivity upon the question of recognition.
It seems to be reduced to a certainty that the Polish question will not disturb the peace of Europe. Russia claims that the rebellion is exhausted.
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I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington.