Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. Seward to Mr. Pike

No. 245.]

Department of State, Washington, July 3, 1865,

Sir: I have received your despatch of the 14th instant, No. 169, predicting a favorable reception in Europe of the intelligence of the withdrawal from the insurgents of the character of belligerents by those governments which have accorded to them privileges upon that ground. It is to be regretted that European maritime powers so tamely yielded to slaveholders’ threats, and unnecessarily conceded a belligerent character to the rebels. The evils which have resulted from the concession are deplorable, but they are passed.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

James S. Pike, Esq., &c.,&c.,&c.