Mr. Seward to Mr. Sanford.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of December 24, No. 400,
I thank you for the interesting account which you have given me of public sentiment in Europe in regard to the policy of the United States as set forth in the President’s message. I perceive that exaggeration widely prevails in Europe in regard to our political attitude in European questions. The people of the United States are beginning to be deeply moved, now, as in 1825, by [Page 617] sympathy with the Christian Greeks in Europe. The action of the government, however, is limited to the use of good offices, in concert with Christian governments, and, with the consent of the Turkish government, looking to the practice of humanity in the exercise of power. Whatever we do or say is done and said without combination with any particular power, lent not without conferring with all the European representatives in Constantinople.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Henry S. Sanford, Esq., &c., &c., &c.