Mr. Judd to Mr. Seward.
Sir:Your despatches Nos. 72 and 73, both bearing date May 9, 1864, are received.
The London conference which had, at its last meeting, adjourned for two weeks, reassembles to-day. If we can rely upon the quasi official intimations put forth for the last few days in the journals supposed to represent the views of several of the leading powers, and upon the general opinion now expressed by all members of the diplomatic corps in Berlin, the adjournment has not been fruitless. According to these intimations all the great powers are united upon the proposition to place the Duke of Augustenburg upon the throne of Schleswig-Holstein; Schleswig to be divided in such a manner as shall give its German population to the new state, and Its Danish population to Denmark, as an integral part of its kingdom, freed from all control of the German Bund. That arrangement was suggested, and the idea fiercely rejected by Denmark before the commencement of hostilities. It is now tolerated in Copenhagen in the newspapers, and claimed to be far preferable to any personal union, as such personal union would permit the internal affairs of the kingdom to be meddled with by the German Bund.
The friendship of England has been the bane of Denmark. Expecting material aid in the event of a struggle with the German powers, Denmark felt bound to yield to the advice of that power, and concession after concession was made under that advice, such concessions only partially meeting the demands of Germany; and, finally, when war came, there was no aid to be obtained, and It is reported that the counsellor, adviser, and friend is to make the proposition to divide its kingdom. Denmark could have made all these terms, and even more favorable ones, by direct negotiations with the German powers before the commencement of hostilities; but, deceived by false hopes, it resisted, and has now nothing to show for the horrors and losses of war but a divided kingdom.
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Your representatives in London will probably send you, by the same steamer that takes out this despatch, the result of to-day’s conference in London. I can only give you what is thought and felt here.
[Page 217]We have telegraphic news from America to the 18th instant. The shock of arms in Virginia has made even Europe hold its breath, and compelled the London Times to withdraw its standing falsehood, that our cause was supported only by mercenaries. God grant that the bravery, endurance, and sufferings of our noble army may be rewarded by the complete triumph of our righteous cause.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.