Mr. Pike to Mr. Seward
Sir: Since I wrote you last, the apprehended war on the Dano-German question has broken out, and appears to have ended almost as soon as begun. It is feared that injustice will be done to Denmark in the settlement that will follow the invasion of Schleswig. Prussia and Austria have a troublesome popular ferment to appease, and it would seem that it must be allayed at the expense of Denmark. Here in Europe all sympathies are with the Danes. The active movements of the small German powers since the late military successes of Austria and Prussia, to prevent the latter from thwarting their desires in the settlement of the question, forebode further difficulties; and among the contingencies of the future a revolutionary contest in Germany itself still holds a prominent place.
We are still without a minister of foreign affairs. I have not received a copy of the diplomatic correspondence of 1863.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington.