Mr. Yeoman to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Your despatch of 30th December, 1865, No. 5, is received, announcing your receipt of my despatch of 11th December, No. 3. I have also the enclosure of your official announcement, of the 18th December, 1865, of the adoption of the proposed constitutional amendment abolishing slavery in the United State. This is extremely gratifying, and adds to our consideration abroad, because it is now observed that this great change is not an accident of war, but a great and solemn act of legislation. All can appreciate it as a great national fiat, but the meagreness of the information about our institutions is shown by the fact that some here cannot appreciate how it was necessary for the States to pass upon it after Congress had acted, while others are a little surprised that it should be held to abolish slavery in States refusing to ratify it.
I have also by same mail your despatch of December 30th, 1865, No. 6, enclosing a copy of the letters you have addressed, by order of the President, to the provisional governors and governors elect of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Mississippi, showing “that civil authority has been restored in those States, and that they are recognized as members of the Union.” These steps have been observed with interest here, and I have been asked in official circles if the result is to relieve those States entirely of military government; to which I have replied that it does, and recognizes the establishment of civil government in those States; but that the general government has not entirely withdrawn its troops, keeping sufficient garrisons to preserve order, where it may be necessary, and which may have been done before the war.
The one thing connected with the restoration of peace in the United States, which strikes Europeans with most astonishment, is the promptness and cheerfulness with which the soldiers of our national volunteer army have returned to the ordinary avocations of private life. This is everywhere commented on, wondered at and admired. Men who seem incapable of comprehending our institutions comprehend that as a fact, and the fact makes an impression very much in our favor.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.