Mr. Camphell to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Not having received further instructions from the Department of State, and in obedience to my letter of recall, on Monday last I placed the office copy of the same in the hands of the minister of state and of foreign affairs, and requested an audience of his Majesty, for the purpose of delivering the letter of the President to the King in person.
In pursuance of my request an audience was accorded me this day at 1 o’clock p. m., and from which I have just returned. I was accompanied by the chamberlain of the King, in the royal carriage, &c, with all the ceremony usual or appropriate to the occasion. The audience took place in the grand palace of Stockholm. Charles XV received me with great cordiality and kindness. In delivering the letter of the President of the United States announcing my recall, I took occasion to say that never were the friendly relations between the United States and Sweden more cordial than at present, and that it was the sincere desire of the President and people of my country that they might ever remain so.
The King fully reciprocated these friendly sentiments, and expressed a hope that the difference of views respecting public policy unfortunately existing between the President and Congress might soon be adjusted. I thanked his Majesty for his uniform kindness and consideration for me as the representative of my government, as well as for that extended to my family. He replied that he was sorry to part with us, and hoped we would have a safe and prosperous voyage home.
I have also taken congé of the Prince Oscar, and take pleasure in recording the fact that this intelligent and courtly gentleman and his excellent duchess have always extended to me and the members of my family the utmost kindness and hospitality.
Audiences of leave having been granted to Mrs. Campbell and myself we have taken congé of the Queen, the Queen Dowager Josephine, and the Duchesses of Ostergothland and Dalecarlia.
I have thus closed my mission with the usual formalities, but cannot close this record without (as my predecessors have done before me) paying a just tribute to the goodness of the people of Sweden and Norway, and to the undeviating kindness and attention I have received from them.
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I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.