Mr. Pike to Mr. Hunter
Sir: I had an audience of the King on Saturday last, the 27th instant, and delivered to him the letter of condolence of the President. He expressed himself gratified with this mark of sympathy.
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches of the 16th of May, Nos. 234 and 235, the latter covering copies of the President’s proclamation in regard to insurgent cruisers. One of these copies I have communicated to the minister of foreign affairs.
So far as I can judge by indications within the circle of my personal experience, the sympathy of the ruling classes in Europe remains with the defeated rebels, and our successes are regarded with impatience and irritation. The personal fate of the leaders of the rebellion seems to interest them deeply.
The triumph of our political system in this contest is felt to be a grievous blow to legitimacy. It has felt great confidence during the last four years that the attempt at an organized democracy in America was a failure, and that it had before it the prospect of a protracted cycle of political quiet. The concluding events of the war have changed all this, and the disappointment thereby occasioned is but ill-concealed by its representatives,
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. W. Hunter, Acting Secretary of State,Washington.