[Extract.]

Mr. Canisius to Mr. Seward.

No. 24.]

Sir: The letter addressed to me by General Garibaldi has, as I expected, created a great commotion throughout Europe, and has produced the very best effect for the north. When, in consequence of the unfavorable news brought by every steamer, the sympathy in Europe for us grew less and less, I thought the time had come to let the world know what the great hero at the castle of Varignana thinks of us and our cause. I deemed this the more important while the great Garibaldi demonstrations in England were taking place. The correspondence was therefore published by me at once. Subsequent events have shown that my calculation was a correct one, because, since the publication of this correspondence, our cause has undoubtedly gained ground in Europe. How the secessionists like the letter of Garibaldi can be seen by reading the letter in the London Times of the 25th of September. The comments of such papers as the Times made upon the correspondence between Garibaldi and myself, have undoubtedly induced the prisoner to declare in his address of September 28, in which he thanks the English nation for the sympathy shown to him; that England ought to be the ally of the United States and sustain the north in this struggle against slavery.

I have also thanked Garibaldi, in a letter, in the name of my government and country I represent, for his noble sentiments he has expressed in our favor.

I do not doubt that you will approve of the steps I have taken in regard to this matter without having instructions. I believe a representative abroad must always act at the right time.

Garibaldi is a power in Europe and the great representative of everything that is liberal and noble, and we, therefore, ought to avail ourselves of this power without delay. I believe it would be becoming to the United States and the great prisoner to send one of our war steamers to Varignano and take him on board before this will be done by an English vessel.

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I have the honor to be, very respectfully, &c.,

T. CANISIUS.

Hon. W. H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.