Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The King and Queen returned to-day from their visit to England for the marriage of the Princess Helena. His Majesty profited of two occasions which were afforded him at dinners at Trinity House and Guild Hall to speak publicly of Belgium and its relations to Great Britain, and to recall the part taken by that power and France in founding its nationality, and the remarks called forth by his presence, sympathetic to this country and its sovereign, which were made by the Prince of Wales at Trinity House, and by the new chancellor of the exchequer, Mr. Disreali, have been repeated in the papers here, and commented upon as gratifying indications of the support of Great Britain against any fancied perils to its existence.
The news of the cession of Venetia by Austria to France, and the proffered mediation of the Emperor Napoleon between the belligerents, has naturally excited the liveliest emotion here. While the first impression seemed to be that it was a new danger to Belgium, I think it is generally conceded now that in the European congress which will, doubtlessly, be called to decide upon the changes in territorial limits growing out of the war, and the compensations attendant thereon, those friendly powers which, besides France, had a part in founding Belgian nationality, will be better able to sustain it than if it had been disturbed by act of war.
The mediation of the Emperor has been accepted, it seems, but we are still awaiting to learn the result of the proposition for an armistice and the basis upon which Prussia accepts mediation; the general sentiment, however, is that peace is assured.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.