Mr. Marsh to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The new Italian ministry was organized last evening under the presidency of Baron Ricasoli, who takes the department of the interior. The only other change of importance is the substitution of Visconti Venasta, as minister of foreign affairs, for General La Marmora, who remains as minister without a portfolio while discharging the duties of chief of the staff in attendance upon the person of the King, and is virtually commander in chief of the army.
The King will repair to the field to-morrow, and it is expected that a declaration of war, or other equivalent manifesto, will be published to-day. There seems to be no doubt that hostilities will commence within the next twenty-four or thirty-six hours, though there are still persons who believe that Austria will propose terms which may delay the opening of the campaign, and perhaps pave the way for a final settlement of the great pending questions,
I found Baron Ricasoli this morning already engaged in the duties of his new position. He is very hopeful of success in this great struggle, and indeed it must be very difficult for a patriotic Italian to believe defeat possible, when the whole nation is inspired with such enthusiasm. I am sure that the history of modern Europe, with the possible exception of republican France, in and after 1793, has never exhibited an example of such universal, absorbing, and generous devotion to a national cause as is presented by the Italian people of to-day. Of course the clergy in general do not sympathize with the people, but they have not influence enough to embarrass the government, and their political position is regarded with great indifference,
There has been much financial and commercial annoyance from the want of a small representative medium of exchange since paper was made a legal tender. For a long time it was almost impossible to obtain bills of less than five hundred francs, and I have myself paid as high as six per cent. premium for small notes. Measures have been taken which, there is reason to hope, will soon relieve this embarrassment.
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I am, sir, with the highest respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.