Message of the President of the United States to the Two Houses of Congress, at the Commencement of the Second Session of the Thirty-seventh Congress

Mr. Haldeman to Mr. Seward.

[Extract.]

No. 3.]

Legation of the United States,
Stockholm, July 4, 1861.

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.

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I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,

J. S. HALDEMAN.

Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.