of the two nations. That for myself, personally, I hoped that my residence near his Majesty's government might be useful to the citizens of my country, and acceptable to his Majesty. That I should endeavor in my official action to promote and increase the harmony, good will, and friendly feelings that had so long existed between the two nations, and that I presented my own best wishes for the health and happiness of his Majesty. The King, in reply, expressed his warm feelings towards Mr. Wright, and stated that he regretted the troubles in our country; that he hoped soon to see them ended, and the integrity and majesty of our government and law maintained, and order triumph. He thanked Mr. Wright for his allusion to the past friendly relations, and the manner in which he had promoted the same, and assured us that he was happy to hear through me the assurance of the continuance of the same. The day following my presentation was occupied by me in establishing my relations with the ministers of state and the several diplomatic functionaries residing at this court. I have the honor to be your obedient servant, SIR: On the 9th of July instant, in pursuance of the special instructions contained in despatch No. 4, from the Department of State to this legation, under date of April 24, 1861, to seek an early opportunity to ascertain whether the government of Prussia is disposed to enter into negotiations for the accession of the government of the United States to the articles of the declaration of the congress assembled at Paris, April 16, 1856, on the question of privateering and maritime war, I had an interview with Baron Von Schleinitz, minister of foreign affairs of his Majesty the King of Prussia. In communicating to the baron my instructions on that subject, and informing him of the disposition of the government of the United States to bring the negotiation on the basis of the Paris declaration to a speedy and satisfactory conclusion, I, at the same time, expressed to him how eminently desirable for the good of all nations the President deems it that the property and effects, not contraband of war, of private individuals, although citizens of belligerent States, should be exempt from seizure and confiscation by national vessels in time of maritime war. The baron, in response, assured me that his Majesty's government desired to adopt the most liberal policy on that subject. I then alluded to his instructions to Baron Von Gerolt, the Prussian minister in Washington, as published in the official journal, the "Staats Arzeiger," and inquired if it was desired to transfer the negotiations to Washington He replied in the negative, adding that the purpose and intent of the document chiefly was to give utterance to, and make manifest the good will of, his Majesty's government towards that of the United States, and to furnish a full and free communication and exchange of views between the two governments. In reply to his inquiry, whether the President of the United States, through me, was prepared to submit propositions for a convention, I informed him that I had special powers to negotiate a treaty based upon the Paris decla ration, and that a memorandum for that purpose had been prepared by the Department of State for my guidance. To my inquiry, whether the production of the evidence of my special authority was desired at this time, he replied negatively, but asked to be informed whether the treaty was intended to be a joint one with all the parties to the Paris conference, or a separate convention with each one of the parties. I responded that my instructions directed me to negotiate with the Prussian government only. He then requested that the propositions of the government of the United States be submitted in writing, promising, in that event, an early consideration of the same. Accordingly, on the 11th day of July instant, I addressed a communication to Baron Von Schleinitz, minister of foreign affairs, together with a copy of the memorandum for a convention upon the subject of belligerents and neutrals in time of war between the United States of America and his Majesty the King of Prussia, as furnished me by the Department of State, in connexion with its despatch No. 4, under date of April 24, 1861. A copy of my communication accompanies this despatch, marked Exhibit No. 1. No reply has yet been received from Baron Von Schleinitz to that communication. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. W. H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. N. B. JUDD. Exhibit No. 1. LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, MONSIEUR LE BARON: The undersigned, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary, has the honor herewith to present the memoranda referred to in our conversation of yesterday, it being simply a statement of the articles of the declaration adopted by the congress assembled at Paris, April 16, 1856. While the President has instructed the undersigned to present and assent to a convention in terms substantially that of the congress at Paris, the President, nevertheless, desires the undersigned to submit to the government of his Majesty the King of Prussia how just and eminently desirable for the good of all nations he considers it that the property and effects of private individuals, not contraband of war, should be exempt from seizure and confiscation by national vessels in time of maritime war, although belonging to the citizens and subjects of the belligerent States; and in view of this fact, the undersigned begs leave to state to your excellency that he feels authorized and prepared to so modify the propositions he has the honor herewith to submit as to embrace the principle above stated, if it should meet the views and be deemed desirable by the government of his Majesty the King of Prussia. The undersigned avails himself of this opportunity to assure your excellency of his high and distinguished consideration. His Excellency Baron Von SCHLEINITZ, Minister of Foreign Affairs, &c., &c., &c. N. B. JUDD. No. 7.] Mr. Seward to Mr. Judd. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, July 26, 1861. SIR: Mr. Wright's despatch, No. 177, dated June 22, was duly received. Baron Gerolt has handed to me a copy of the instruction from his government, to which Mr. Wright refers. I have acknowledged the tenor of that paper as not unacceptable, but I agree with Mr. Wright in thinking it desirable that the strongest possible expressions be obtained from Prussia for their moral effect. Our army on the Potomac encountered a reverse on the 21st, which, for the moment, produced a shock; but the evil effects of the disaster have already passed away, while a more vigorous and determined resolution exists now than ever to strengthen and preserve the Union. We have put all the candidates recommended to us by Baron Schleinitz into military employment. I am, sir, your obedient servant, SIR: Your despatch of July 24, No. 3, has been received. Your conduct in relation to the subject of negotiations for a convention with the government of Prussia on the subject of the rights of neutrals in maritime war, as referred to in that paper, is approved. * * * * WILLIAM H. SEWARD. * Ex. Doc. 1-4 Since my written communication to Baron Von Schleinitz on the subject of the maritime treaty, a copy of which was sent to the State Department in my despatch No. 4, I have not heard from this government directly upon the subject; but Baron Von Mohrenheim, of the Russian legation, informs me that, in conversation with Baron Von Schleinitz, the latter expressed the opinion that the object sought by the United States could be attained by a simple adhesion on its part to the articles of the Paris treaty, and that there was no necessity for a formal and separate treaty. I also learned from Baron Von Mohrenheim that the Russian government inclined to the same opinion. My conversations with the members of the diplomatic corps here have convinced me that they are not only thoroughly advised of the views and action of their own governments in this matter, but that every step taken by any government interested is promptly communicated, so that each representative is fully advised of the condition of the question with all the governments, and that there is concerted action, with England at the head. * * * * * * * * I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch (No. 14) bearing date September 21, 1861. Since my communication to the foreign office here in relation to the maritime treaty, a copy of which accompanied despatch No. 4, from this legation, I have no word or note from the Prussian government on the subject. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. W. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. N. B. JUDD. Mr. Seward to Mr. Judd. No. 16.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, October 21, 1861. SIR: Your despatch of September 24 (No. 8) has been received. It treats of many matters interesting, though not of chief importance. Your proceedings in regard to them are approved. Disunion, by surprise and impetuous passion, took the first successes, and profited by them to make public opinion in Europe. Union comes forward more slowly, but with greater and more enduring vigor. This nation, like every other, in the present as in all other cases, stands by its own strength. Other powers will respect it so long as it exhibits its ability to defend and save itself. More, perhaps, ought not to be wished; certainly it could not be reasonably expected. I am, &c., N. B JUDD, Esq., WILLIAM H. SEWARD. &c., &c., &c., Berlin. |