Mr. Seward to Mr. Motley
Sir: I thank you for your very interesting despatch of the 13th of February, which relates exclusively to German affairs. Although there is no immediate connexion between those matters and the now ruling interests in the United States, it is nevertheless certain that a knowledge of the political and financial condition of the continental European countries, and of their neutral relations, is necessary to enable us to determine what policy, in regard to ourselves, we may at any time expect at the hands of the principal maritime powers.
At present, these powers are so far easy in regard to European questions, that they remain at liberty to co-operate, as they have generally done, in a policy which is unfair and illiberal towards the United States and the other American republics.
Harmony among the European nations is not likely to increase, while, happily for us, our military and political situation seems to be steadily and decidedly improving.
It was the chief responsibility of our administration during the last four years to preserve the integrity of the Union against the assaults of faction. The next four years may well be occupied, so far as this department is concerned, with lawful efforts to restore its prestige among the nations.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
J. Lothrop Motley, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Vienna.