Mr. Seward to Mr. Wright.
Sir: I have received and read with interest your despatch of the 9th instant, No. 31. The progress of events is probably outrunning that of speculation upon the question of war in Europe.
Your proceedings in expressing your congratulations to Count Bismarck upon his escape from the assassin are heartily approved by the President. Magistrates and ministers are essential in every government. Such assassination is a crime, because whatever may be its excuses or pretexts, it is purely an individual act, not a social effort for redress of errors or wrongs in administration. It is a private crime against all political society of whatever form or nature.
You are instructed to express these opinions, in the name of the United States, to the government of Prussia.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Joseph A. Wright, Esq., &c., &c., &c.