Mr. Canisius to Mr. Seward.
Sir: * * * * * * * * * * * *
After the capture of Garibaldi I addressed the following letter to the great leader of the Union party of Italy:
Vienna, September 1, 1862.
General: As you have failed for the present to accomplish the great and patriotic work you lately undertook in the interest of your beloved fatherland, I take the liberty to address myself to you to ascertain whether it would not be against your present plans to lend us a helping hand in our present struggle to preserve the liberty and unity of our great republic.
The battle we fight is one which not only interests ourselves, but also the whole civilized world.
The welcome and enthusiasm with which you will be received in our land, where you once lived, will be boundless, and your position to lead our brave soldiers into battle, to strike for the same principle for which you have fought so nobly during your whole life, will be such as you may desire. I would be happy, general, to receive a reply from you if possible. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, &c.,
General Garibaldi, Spezzia, Italy.