Mr. Motley to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to state that G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the United States Navy, has made a brief visit to Vienna, arriving on the 10th instant, and leaving the city this morning for Trieste.
[Page 684]A copy of your circular to the diplomatic and consular officers of the United States recommending him to their friendly offices was received by me in advance of his arrival, together with a list of questions in regard to the naval establishments of this empire, which he desired me to have placed in the proper channel.
The subject has been laid before the imperial royal government, in a note addressed by me to his Excellency Count Mensdorff, and I am assured, in aprivate interview on the subject, that due attention will be given to the wishes of the United States government. I will forward the answer to my communication as soon as it reaches me.
I also requested the minister of foreign affairs, both verbally and by note, that the necessary facilities might be afforded to Mr. Fox, upon his proposed visit of inspection to the naval establishments of Trieste and Pola.
In an interview with Count Mensdorff, who received him in the most cordial manner, Mr. Fox expressed his admiration of the late brilliant achievements of Admiral Tegett-hoff, and his desire to make the acquaintance of that distinguished commander. The minister accordingly invited Mr. Fox (as well as myself) to dine on the following day to meet the admiral. It happened, however, that the admiral was engaged to dine with the Archduke Albert, but on the following evening I had the pleasure of introducing him and Mr. Fox to each other at my own house. On the same evening, I Received a note from Count Mensdorff, stating that the Emperor would receive Mr. Fox at a certain hour next day, and requesting that I would accompany and present him to his Majesty.
As the Emperor was about to leave Vienna almost immediately on a somewhat extensive tour, it had been thought best by Mr Fox and myself not to make formal application for an audience, and it was therefore the more complimentary to the United States, and to so distinguished a member of its government as Mr. Fox, that the interview was thus arranged.
The Emperor received Mr. Fox with much courtesy, made many remarks expressive of his special admiration of the recent naval history of the United States, addressed his sincere compliments to Mr. Fox as its efficient and distinguished representative, and hoped that he would visit the imperial establishments at Trieste and Pola.
I think that Mr. Fox is with reason satisfied with the attention shown to him during his very brief visit to Vienna.
I have the honor to remain, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D.C.