Mr. Pike to Mr. Seward
Sir: * * ** * *
Nothing could do more to silence cavillers on this side than the re-election of the President.
The moral impression produced by the spectacle of an orderly and free election, in the heat of a great war does more for us than any triumphs in the field. The value to us of the political lesson it teaches to those in Europe who have seen in the apparently confused and conflicting warfare of opinion among the press and public men of the loyal States only the discord of a Babel is not to be overestimated.
The civil and military prestige of the nation is to-day at a greater height than it ever was.* * * * *
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington.