Mr. Fogg to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Your despatch, dated July 23, No. 53, advising my attendance, “in an unofficial manner,” upon the sessions of the International Sanitary Congress, to be held the ensuing week at Geneva, is received. I shall do so with pleasure, subject to the contingency you suggest.
The object of the originators of this congress is undoubtedly good and worthy of encouragement; whether, however, the object is likely to be attained in the way proposed is at least problematical. I confess to great doubts on the subject, doubts which the result will confirm or dissipate.
I could have wished, however, in view of the great practical solving by our countrymen and countrywomen of nearly all the problems likely to be considered by this congress, that some member of the United States National Sanitary Commission, familiar with the practical working of that organization, and able to speak from personal observation on the field of battle and in the hospitals, should have been commissioned, either by the government or by the Sanitary Commission [Page 400] itself. The exhibit such a person would have been able to make would, I am sure, have told more powerfully than any theories in favor of the ends sought to be realized by the originators of the proposed congress.
In the absence of such a person, I shall cheerfully communicate such facts as I may be in possession of, and which may appear apposite to the purpose and spirit of the occasion, not of course venturing to do or say anything which can be construed into a committal of the government of the United States to any measure or course whatever.
With sincere regard and the highest respect, your obedient servant.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State of the United States of America.