Mr. Motley to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have had the honor to receive your despatches Nos. 205, 206, 209, dated respectively October 16th, November 7th and 17th, which are replies to my despatches.
I have also had the honor to receive your despatch No. 208, of November 16th, in reply to my No. 210, relating to the voluntary retirement of Count Mensdorff [Page 553] Ponilly, in which you express your high approbation of the ability and integrity of that statesman, sentiments in which, as you are already aware, I most cordially concur.
In regard to your intimation of an apprehension that the change in the Austrian ministry is indicative of a new and startling, policy, I am inclined to doubt whether that apprehension will be justified. I consider the present ministry as not essentially changed in its policy. That policy I believe to be one of conciliation abroad and of reformation at home.
I doubt whether there is likely to be any general opposition to the pacific principles by which the imperial government is at present actuated. The axis on which the present policy of Austria turns is the Hungarian question. I cannot say that much progress has yet been made in this respect. I have done my best hitherto to keep you informed as to this subject, and you may rely upon me for accurate and careful statements of anything that may occur.
Meantime, I have the honor to remain, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.