Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part II

Mr. Seward to Mr. Pike.

No. 111.]

Department of State, Washington, September 4, 1863.

Sir: Your despatch of August 5 (No. 96) has been received, and I give you my grateful acknowledgments for the careful survey of European politics which it presents. Only time can disclose whether the performances of the several actors will follow the outlines you have sketched for them, upon considerations of prudence and reason, or whether the plot is to be determined by caprice and passion. So far as we are concerned, it is manifestly our duty to practice prudence and preparation.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

James S. Pike, Esq., &c., &c., &c.