Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward.
Sir:His Majesty’s government has commenced a system of military works and lines for the protection of Lisbon, based upon plans which are understood to have been sketched out by the late Duke of Wellington during his memorable peninsular campaign. Their completion will involve a cost of several millions of dollars, which is no inconsiderable sum for a small kingdom where the current expenses exceed the regular revenues, and frequent loans are required to offset constantly augmenting deficits.
Portugal is at peace with all the world, and has every reason and interest to preserve that condition, for aside from the civil conflicts which destroyed a former prosperity, her territory was made the theatre of war between great rival powers which contended for supremacy or for control on this part of the peninsula. These large works have doubtless been undertaken to provide means of defence against dangers which are indirectly threatened by the disturbed state of Europe, and from the apprehension that, sooner or later, the war which now rages on the far north may by a sudden turn of events be extended to, or by chance burst upon, this remote southern region.
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I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.