Count Wydenbruck to Mr. Seward.
Mr. Secretary of State: On the 3d instant I took the liberty of addressing myself to you, stating that I should consider it as a favor if you would inform me whether the pressing application I made to you on the 29th May last in the name and by order of my august sovereign to use the influence of the United States government in favor of the emperor Maximilian, had been followed by any action of the State Department beyond the telegram of the 1st of June, enjoining Mr. Campbell to repair to his post, there to exercise his influence in that direction. I was induced to make this request by the fear that the unfortunate resignation of Mr. Campbell may have defeated the good intentions you showed me so warmly at that time and for which I again thank you.
On the 5th instant I had the honor to receive a communication from you, Mr. Secretary, dated 1st of July, in which you kindly gave me information as to the transmission to Mexico, on the 15th of June, of the intercession of the courts of England and France in behalf of Archduke Maximilian. A few days later I received another obliging communication from you, stating that my inquiries of the 3d had already been answered in your letter of the 1st instant.
As, however, in this last letter no mention was made of the object of my inquiry, namely, of the steps taken by the State Department in compliance with the Emperor of Austria’s urgent request of the 29th of May, this silence impresses me deeply, as it seems to confirm my apprehension that, owing to Mr. Campbell’s inopportune and unfortunate resignation, the government of the United States was not able to carry out the intentions manifested at that time, at a period when the voice of the United States in behalf of justice, humanity, and civilization might have again reached the proper quarter and perhaps saved the life of the ill-fated prince.
It remains for me to thank you, also, for your compliance with the second request of the Austrian court of the 20th of June, as to the reintegration of the archduke in his birthrights.
I have the honor to remain, Mr. Secretary of State, with the highest consideration, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.