Mr. Seward to Mr. Sanford
Sir: Your despatch of the 16th of March, No. 248, has been received.
The politicians in Europe who anticipate aggressive wars by the United States as a consequence of the expected return of our domestic peace, reason rather from European than American principles. We must insist on the freedom of the seas for our commerce and the safety of our borders against external violence. These rights will doubtless be yielded to us, although not without regret and possible reluctance. Beyond that there are no questions which may not be safely and wisely left to the province of diplomacy.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Henry S. Sanford, &c., &c., Brussels.