Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to report my arrival here on the 25th instant, having landed at Southampton on the 15th.
I had an interview with M. Rogier on the following day. The conversation was desultory; the main object of my visit, after paying my respects to the minister of foreign affairs, being to have a day fixed for the exchange of the ratification of the treaties of which I was the bearer from Washington. M. Rogier made inquiries touching the progress of our war, the colossal proportions of which and the frightful loss of life had, he said, astonished the world, and asked when I thought it would terminate. I replied, with the suppression of the rebellion; that neither men, means, nor determination on the part of the government and people were wanting to that end; that I had been confirmed by my visit to the United States, and contact with our people in all parts of [Page 254] the country, in the conviction that the government would be upheld in its purpose of restoring its authority over the whole country; we had strong faith that the next campaign would bring the war to an end; that this campaign would result in the defeat of Lee and fall of Richmond. But would we be able to provide for the expense of a long-continued war? he rejoined. I replied, that the history of the past three years would serve to form a judgment for the future. Our people had lent over seventeen hundred millions of dollars to the general government, besides furnishing hundreds of millions additional to the State and municipal governments, and to soldiers, to aid in the prosecution of the war; they were still supplying the means to carry on the war, and it was to be doubted if these resources exceeded the surplus gains of the country. The markets of Europe, too, were open to us if we deemed it expedient to accept their proffers of money, which had not been wanting. I had seen no signs of exhaustion in the country. So far from growing weaker physically by the war, we were daily gaining strength. Our population to-day was three millions more than at the commencement of the war. Whatever the difficulties attendant upon carrying on the war, it must and would go on. M. Rogier expressed his astonishment at the evidence of the power and wealth of the United States which this war had brought forth, and his hope that it would be brought to an early termination.
The resignation tendered by the ministers to the King has been withdrawn at his request, and the cabinet has carried through most of the business of the legislative session (which will probably be terminated next week) with the feeble majority of from one to three votes. The probability is, that the Parliament will be dissolved, and an appeal made to the people by new elections late in the autumn.
The health of the King I am happy to be able to inform you is excellent.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.
P. S.—The United States frigate Niagara arrived at Antwerp yesterday, and is now engaged taking in coal. H. S. S.