Mr. Yeaman to Mr. Seward.
Sir: At an interview with Count Frys yesterday evening, he informed me that in the propositions submitted by the Emperor of the French, as a basis for peace in Europe, it was suggested that, as to Denmark, the dispute about the duchies should be settled “on the basis of nationalities,” an arrangement which would restore only the north part of Schleswig, and added that he was not very confident of even that much being accomplished, as there was often “a long way between preliminaries and a conclusion.”
The singularly rapid and complete success which has up to this time crowned the Prussian arms has probably thwarted some expectations which have been entertained both here and at Paris in regard to the results of the war.
[Page 166]I think that whatever desire had at any time existed with any party here that Denmark should engage in the war had been abandoned before the truce.
* * * * * * *
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.