Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I have before me your despatch of February 4, (No. 590,) which speaks of the actual breaking out of hostilities between Germany and Denmark, and of the perplexities which that act produces in the British councils.
More recent information shows that Austria and Prussia have achieved a successful campaign, and are in possession virtually of all Schleswig. It remains to be seen whether a foundation can now be laid for a peace that will be satisfactory to the greater states, who charge themselves with the preservation of the balance of power in Europe. Without pretending to the knowledge necessary for the formation of a reliable judgment, I may, perhaps, be safe in believing that the present condition of things in the theatre of the war is very unsatisfactory to Great Britain.
I observe statements in the continental papers that emigrants have returned from this country with large promises to engage in the attractive conflicts of Europe. If this be so, and if these conflicts continue, this government will be summoned to new duties in maintaining neutrality. Our responsibilities in this way are already large enough. The war of France against Mexico wears upon the patience of the American people. Spain is watchful lest the insurgents of San Domingo receive and from the United States; and their insurgents are here seeking recognition, at least as belligerents. If our own unhappy civil war should come to an end, in the midst of a European war, it would be difficult to enforce upon citizens of the United States the performance of international obligations that Europe has refused to observe in regard to ourselves.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq.