Mr. Fogg to Mr. Seward.
Sir:Your despatches of January 29 and February 4, Nos. 48 and 49, are received. I communicated to the president of the confederation so much of your despatch as relates to the death of Mr. Hitz, and the high estimation in which he was held by yourself, the President, and all who were in the way of holding official relations with him. The president said his death was greatly regretted by the Swiss government and people, and wished me to thank you for the kind manner in which you had borne testimony to his loyalty to his own country, and to his just and honorable bearings toward the great sister republic to which he was so long accredited.
The president then referred to the subject of appointing a successor to Mr. Hitz, on which no action had yet been taken. There was, he said, a very general desire, especially among the Swiss in America, for the appointment of a minister to Washington. But such a step would necessitate the appointment of ministers also at London, St. Petersburg, Vienna and Berlin, and would thus entail a great additional charge upon the treasury, which the Swiss people could not now well bear; the government having at the present moment certain great public works on its hands, which demanded all the financial resources of the confederation.
The president wished me to reiterate to you his anxious desire for the early suppression of the rebellion and the restoration of our Union to more than its ancient power and prosperity.
* * * * * * * * *
With sincere regard and esteem, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State of the United States of America.