Yesterday I called, by appointment, upon Count Manderstrom, minister of foreign affairs. Count M., in behalf of his government, welcomed me most cordially to Sweden as the representative of the United States of America. Count Manderstrom informed me of the absence of his Majesty in Norway, whose return was daily expected, and that an early day would be fixed for the audience to present my letter of credence. During the interview he referred to the condition of affairs in the United States, and expressed himself strongly in favor of our government. From the limited opportunity I have had to judge, I have no hesitation in the declaration of the opinion that the sympathy of the entire north of Europe is almost unanimously in favor of the existing government of the United States. The emigration from this part of Europe having been to the northern or free States, they speak as if they would like to give active aid to their friends, relatives, and countrymen. * * * J. S. HALDEMAN. I have the honor to be, with respect, your obedient servant, Hon. Wм. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c. Mr. Haldeman to Mr. Seward. [Extract.] No. 3.] LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, SIR: I have the honor, in reply to your circular of May 20, to inform you that I am almost confident no effort or attempt to purchase articles contraband of war, or to fit out vessels in any port of Sweden, under letters of marque, need be apprehended. The public voice of this nation, represented by a free press, is clearly and emphatically in favor of my government, and view secession as a causeless rebellion, which ought to be suppressed by the strong arm of military law. Should, contrary to my expectation, efforts be made by mercenary men to give in any manner assistance to the rebels, I have no doubt I shall receive information of the fact in time to call the attention of his Majesty's government to the subject. Frequently application has been made to me by honorable discharged officers of the army of Sweden to know if their services would be accepted by my government, and on what conditions. I have replied that I have no instructions on that subject, and can make no promises or arrangements on the part of my government. The question is asked if their passage-money would be paid on their arrival in America and entering the service. Two of these officers are eminent military engineers. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, &c., &c, &c. No. 2.] Mr. Seward to Mr. Haldeman. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, July 8, 1861. SIR: Your despatch of June 14 (No. 1) has just been received. Your safe arrival at your destination is a source of satisfaction, and the information you give concerning the tone and temper of public opinion in the north of Europe, with regard to the present embarrassment in our domestic affairs, is especially gratifying. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, SIR: Your despatch of June 26 (No. 2) has been received. So much of it as relates to the preservation of the archives, and other matters of subordinate interest, will be noticed in a distinct paper. The President is gratified by the account of the friendly reception you have received from his Majesty, and directs me to congratulate you upon the good auspices under which your mission is commenced. You will lose no good opportunity for assuring the government of Sweden that the United States entertain the highest consideration and cherish the best wishes for his Majesty and the Swedish people. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, JACOB S. HALDEMAN, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Stockholm. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Mr. Haldeman to Mr. Seward. [Extracts.] No. 5.] UNITED STATES LEGATION, SIR: Since I last wrote quite a change is visible in diplomatic circles in regard to American affairs. They now speak out openly that the government of the United States should act vigorously and efficiently; enforce the laws by the strong arm of military power; that the rebellion should be annihilated by force and not by compromise; that is a mistaken policy to suppose that delay and the holding out of the olive branch ever fitted rebels for grace, or brought them to a sense of their guilt. * * * * On the 29th of July the King joins his feet in the Baltic, and will visit the coasts of Norway and Denmark; he will be absent some four or five weeks. Her Majesty at the same time visits her parents, the King and Queen of Holland. Count Edward Piper, who has been appointed minister to the United States, is one of the first noblemen in Sweden, with a thorough English Education and manners, and whose appointment was intended as a compliment to the United States. Count Manderstrom informed me at our last conference that a large Swedish frigate would be sent to the American waters to protect Swedish interests against privateers if it should be necessary. From all quarters the firm and decided course of the administration is spoken of with respect and esteem; no one now seems to doubt of the speedy triumph of the government. I remain, with great respect, your obedient servant, Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c., Washington. J. S. HALDEMAN. No. 4.1 Mr. Seward to Mr. Haldeman. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, SIR: Your despatch of July 4, 1861, (No. 3,) has been received, and it is entirely satisfactory in regard to your own activity in your mission, and the favorable dispositions of the enlightened government to which you are accredited. We notice with much pleasure the willingness of military gentlemen of talent and experience in Sweden, as in other nations, to enter the army of the United States. It is a proof of a sympathy with our great cause of inestimable value. We wish, indeed, that we were able to engage to accept all who should come. But this is impossible, for the reason that they are coming in unknown numbers from various European states, while at the same time a long repressed martial spirit has broken out among our own countrymen, which gives us more candidates than we have places for. Gradually we have taken into the service several able and spirited military men from Prussia, Italy, France, and Hungary. I shall be happy to recommend any the government of Sweden may desire us to accept. SIK: Your despatch (No. 4) of July 22 has been received. The announcement which you were requested to make, by his excellency Count Manderstrom, of the appointment of Count Piper as his Swedish and Norwegian Majesty's minister resident in the United States, has been received with much satisfaction. The filling of the mission in so acceptable a manner at this period is regarded by the President as an earnest of his Majesty's friendly feelings towards the government of the United States, and you are directed to assure Count Manderstrom that the new minister will receive at our hands a most cordial welcome, and that no opportunity will be neglected of strengthening the ties of amity between the government of his Majesty and that of the United States. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, JACOB S. HALDEMAN, Esq., 4., &c., &c., Stockholm. WILLIAM H. `SEWARD. The information which you give concerning the temper and feeling of the government and people of Sweden is very gratifying. This government will find a sincere pleasure in doing all that shall be in its power to favor the safety and freedom of the commerce of Sweden in the ports of the United States not closed by the blockade. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, JACOB S. HALDEMAN, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Stockholm. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Your communications concerning internal questions in Sweden are appreciated, and we hope that the succession to the throne may be settled in a manner satisfactory to the government, and conducive to the welfare of the enlightened people whom it so deeply concerns. We have already forgotten the reverse of our arms at Bull Run, which affected you so deeply, and the prospect of the restoration of the authority of the Union is entirely satisfactory. Our volunteer army will, I have no doubt, vindicate its character and win back the confidence of the country and its friends. I am, sir, your obedient servant, JACOB S. HALDEMAN, Esq., 4., v., &c., Stockholm. Ex. Doc. 1-26 WILLIAM H. SEWARD. |
