Mr. Seward to Mr. Motley.
Sir:Absence from the capital has delayed thus long an acknowledgment of your very interesting despatch of the 14th of August, No. 71.
Without discussing the merits or the political points of the recent war [Page 112] between the two great German states and Denmark, we may be allowed to rejoice that the war itself is at an end, and that Europe is at peace. The public mind reads recent events as indicative of a return of peace also on this continent. I think, however, that consummation is not to be immediately expected. Of course I do not at all believe that in our approaching election the people will command the government to surrender, or forego the integrity of the Union, the great object of the contest on our part. On the other hand, it is hardly to be expected either that the insurgents will abandon their efforts or be deserted by the people they have misled, until a further blow is delivered against their yet formidable military organization. We are preparing to give that blow.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
J. Lothrop Motley, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Vienna.