Mr. Morris to Mr. Seward.
Sir: On Thursday last, after a special council of ministers, orders were issued to the commander of the Turkish forces at Rouskhouk to cross the Danube into the principalities and advance to Bucharest, and in case of opposition from the troops of the provisional government, to put down resistance by force. This decision was taken in conformity with the recommendation of the conference of the great powers at Paris.
The policy of such a movement may be questioned, as it will in all probability provoke a conflict between the troops of the principalities and the Turkish army. It will also create alarm in Servia of an invasion of that country, and may lead to a general rising through the principalities, Servia and Montenegro. It will be construed into an attempt to destroy the autonomy which those countries now enjoy, as the Turks have not entered the interior of these regions, except in the late war in Montenegro, since 1851. Such a movement takes place at a most unpropitious moment, when apprehensions of a general European war have already produced among these populations aspirations after complete independence and a strong desire to sever all connection with the Porte.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.