Mr. Yeaman to Mr. Seward.
Sir. * * * * * *
You will have learned before this reaches you that all hope for the preservation of peace in Germany now seems to be lost. I would not be thought, pretending to have accurate knowledge of the opinions and real intentions of this government. My belief, based on the best sources of information at my command, is that it would prefer to remain neutral in the contest, and that at present there is no unusual military and naval activity, though there are some precautions of a purely defensive character being taken upon the fortifications. I am also impressed with the belief that those having in charge the external relations of this government are not over confident that it will be able, or find it most conducive to its own interests, to remain an unconcerned spectator throughout the contest, and that notwithstanding their desire to abstain from the contest in its present aspects, events may arise and combinations take place in which this government would be moved, in its outward policy, by a just and reasonable hope of repairing the territorial losses so lately inflicted upon it, at least in Schleswig. These events are so uncertain, and there are so many powers and such a variety of interests involved in the impending war, that I deem it useless at present to make any conjectures as to its ultimate effects on Denmark. As matters now stand, it seems to me that in the event Denmark should deem it her duty or interest to engage in the contest, it would more probably be with Austria and against Prussia, as more in accordance with popular feeling here, and as embracing the greater probability of advantageous results in the matters of territory and boundary.
The Grand Duke of Russia, heir apparent to the throne of that empire, is expected here in a few days on a visit to the royal family. I suppose it is not premature or out of place to say that in court circles here there seems to be no doubt that the most interesting object of his visit is to seek a matrimonial alliance with the royal family of Denmark, in the hand of the very attractive Princess Dagmar, formerly betrothed to his elder brother, who died before the consummation of the nuptials. * * * * * *
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.