Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward.
No. 318.]
Legation of the United States,
Brussels,
November 30, 1865.
Sir: I cannot give a better idea of the
sentiments generally prevailing here touching the administration of our
government, than by an extract from a toast given by the Canon de
Hearne, a member of the House of Representatives, to the minister of the
United States, at a dinner at his house on the 28th instant, where the
large party assembled was composed of conservatives, members of both
houses of Parliament, and of the clergy.
Although the dinner was a private one, the character of the guests
present, representing a class which has not been noted for its sympathy
for our cause, and the very warm reception given to the sentiments
expressed, prompted me to communicate it to you as an interesting
indication of the drift of feeling concerning the President and our
country, and I accordingly asked permission of my host to do so.
I have honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, &c., &c.,
&c.
[Translation.]
* * * To the representative of the great American nation; to the
envoy of President Johnson, that distinguished statesman, of whom we
admire the wisdom, the moderation, as well as christian, patriotic,
and truly liberal sentiments:
Worthy successor of the wise Washington, of Madison, that great
promoter of religious liberty, and of Lincoln, that noble victim of
the purest patriotism, Mr. Johnson has given a striking proof of
those sentiments in the proclamation which he published one month
ago, setting apart, as a day of national thanksgiving, the first
Thursday of December, for religious exercises, in which all generous
and Christian hearts should be associated. In that memorable
document, the President of the United States renders thanks to the
Almighty for the increase of civil liberty. He invites people to
render thanks to the Creator of the universe for the benefits and
blessings which they have received at his hands. He recommends the
whole people to make a confession of national sins against the
infinite goodness of God, and to implore with one heart and spirit
the Divine guidance to walk in the paths of national virtue and
holiness. He resumes these beautiful ideas by a phrase worthy of the
greatest men of ancient or modern times: “Righteousness exalteth a
nation, while sin is a reproach to any people.” Such principles as
these are indeed the basis of the grandeur and veritable power of a
nation.
