Mr. Wood to Mr. Seward
Sir: I am aware that it has often been said that the Prussians and Austrians waged war against the Danes for (among other things) their oppression of the inhabitants of Sleswig.
A delegation of some 2,500 from different towns in that duchy were here last week the guests of this city. They were most enthusiastic in their declared attachment to Denmark, asserting that, come what might, they would never cease to be Danes. At the banquet which took place at Klampenburg, near Copenhagen, and where some 50,000 people were assembled, and tables spread for 4,000, telegrams were being constantly exchanged between the towns in Sleswig, responsive to and in approbation of the speakers. The Sleswigers availed themselves of the last days of their liberty, before passing under the Prussian yoke, to make known their views and feelings towards Denmark, and their hatred of Prussia, and should the opportunity ever present itself they would be the first to rise and throw it off.
We should covet these men for emigrants. The King was absent in Jutland, but among the speakers at the banquet was Mr. Lehman, a former minister under the late King and a thorough republican.
I remain, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.