Mr. Clay to Mr. Seward
Sir: Tuesday next the Emperor of Russia and Prince Gortehacow set out for Paris, France. The Sultan, it is said, and most of the rulers of Europe, will be there about this time. The impression is that an attempt will be made there to settle the eastern question. How far success awaits the effort has yet to be seen. The Russian journals are outspoken advocates of the rights of the Greeks and the denouncers of the Turkish tyranny. I am still of the opinion that Russia does not desire war, but may be led into it at any moment. The Turkish civilization and religion are anachronisms in our day, and must perish sooner or later; the sooner the better.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
N. B.—There are now here near seventy representatives of the slavic races of Europe from all parts where they are found. The ostensible object of their visit is to meet the members of the Ethnogrophic Society of Moscow; but the mission is believed to be partly a political one. They are received everywhere at the public expense, and in the most cordial and hospitable manner. They are a fine set of men, and embracing clergy, scholars, and all classes of people. In the event of war in the east no doubt Napoleon’s doctrine of the unity of the races or nationalities would be turned to terrible account against him and on the side of Russia.