Mr. Kreismann to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 12, dated August 8, 1864.
The ceremonial letter from the President to his Prussian Majesty accompanying it, pursuant to your directions, has been communicated in the customary manner.
The steam corvette Victoria, whose origin and acquisition by the Prussian government I have informed you of, has arrived from Bordeaux at Cuxhaven, Hamburg. It is also ascertained now that the Prussian government have purchased two steam advice boats (avisos) in the United States, and their arrival is daily looked for.
The Prussian naval force is, therefore, now constituted as follows: 8 steam corvettes, with 2,400 horse-power, and 158 guns; 1 steam ram, building at Bordeaux, but about ready to sail, and originally intended for the rebels; 4 screw avisos; 19 gunboats, 5 of them of 100 horse-power, and 3 guns each, and the remainder of 80 horse-power, and 2 guns each; and 1 turret ship, ordered in England, but not yet completed.
King William has left Vienna, and has proceeded to pay a visit to the King of Bavaria. What arrangements, if any, regarding the duchies, have been determined on between their Prussian and Austrian Majesties, have not yet transpired. [Page 223] Semi-official organs, both here and at Vienna, intimate that a perfect and satisfactory understanding was arrived at. It is believed that the chances of the Duke of Oldenburg to the succession in Schleswig-Holstein are improving. In that event, and most probably in any event, Lauenburg will go to Prussia.
The sittings of the plenipotentiaries to arrange and settle the details of the treaty of peace, at Vienna, have commenced. Their labors will not speedily terminate. The settlement of the question of boundary and finance will prove a matter of great difficulty. Meanwhile Prussia is greatly reducing her force in the duchies. In the early part of September Prince Frederick Charles, commander-in-chief of the allied armies, will return to Berlin with the regiments of guards, amounting to about 12,000 men, and his arrival is to be made the occasion for a grand pageant and display. * * * *
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.