Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: Your despatch of the 10th of July (No. 325) has been received. I can very well understand how natural the solicitude was under which it was written.
I think that if a person, inexperienced in anatomy, should be allowed to look at once into and through the frame of the most robust man, and observe the rapidity and the seeming conflict of the movements of the internal organs when they are all brought into intense activity, he would be apt to conclude that the actor was passing through convulsions into premature dissolution. The case is the same with a great free nation in a revolutionary stage, acting through its numerous official agents, people and press. To Europe the wonder is that we continue to live; while we ourselves are conscious that we are daily gaining strength for longer, more vigorous, and higher life. Doubtless one cause of this confusion that prevails concerning us in Europe is, that Europeans look at us through glasses which exaggerate dark colors, while they distort just proportions.
We do not yet hear of the result of Mr. Roebuck’s motion, and I therefore shall forbear from observing the singular occurrences which attended its presentation and development.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton, Esq.