Mr. Pike to Mr. Hunter
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches of the 19th, 22d, and 30th of May, Nos. 237, 238, and 239, together with two proclamations of the President, referred to in No. 239.
I have on a previous occasion informed you of the withdrawal by this government of their recognition of belligerent rights to the insurgents. I now perceive, with pleasure, that this example has been followed by England and France, and that the sea is once more open to our commerce.
This result of our triumph, at least, will be widely welcomed in Europe, where many seaports have sensibly felt the decline in American shipping.
The doctrine of leniency to the leaders of the rebellion is preached in Europe, but I do not observe that it is urged except by those who favored secession and condemned the war, and who thereby lost their claims to a place among those who are entitled to advise in the present juncture.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. W. Hunter, Acting Secretary of State, Washington.