Mr. Seward to Mr. Fogg.
Sir: Your despatch of February 7 (No. 15) has been read with much interest. The progress of our arms has, however, so greatly changed the aspect of our affairs at home and abroad that I need not now dwell upon the principal subject you have so ably discussed.
As you may well suppose, our attention has been directed to the extraordinary proceedings which are taking place in Mexico. We shall be just to ourselves, and at the same time shall practice the prudence that will avert any new complication in our affairs.
To-day the insurgent army is retreating from the position it has so long and so uselessly held in front of the capital. The war is retiring within the limits of the States which began it with reckless haste, and which have hitherto carried it on with intemperate zeal, under the expectation that they would escape from the scourge it was inflicting upon States less disloyal than themselves.
I am, sir, your obedient, servant,
George G. Fogg, Esq., &c, &c, Berne.