Mr. Haldeman to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have perused your circular, No. 39, with great interest and satisfaction; the résumé is calm, able, and dispassionate, convincing to all impartial minds, even to those laboring under erroneous information and prejudice; it must and will have great effect, especially when results are more favorable than when written—August 12, 1863.
The public mind of this kingdom is now occupied by the apprehended action of the German Bund in the “Danish question,” a wearisome German crotchet, most difficult to understand or appreciate. Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, under the genuine term of Scandinavia, are not numerically strong when compared with Germany, (about eight millions,) but powerful in the vigor and independence of their inhabitants, and very important by geographical position. The German Bund, it is thought, has gone so far in the Danish question that it cannot, without loss of dignity, retreat, and it is, therefore, greatly feared that a “corps of execution” will be sent into Holstein. It is said that 5,000 men will enter the duchy, and that a federal army of 50,000 men will be prepared to enforce obedience to the behests of the Bund. The Germans are mad on this question, and I firmly believe that nothing would please them better than to go to war “with the oppressors of their brethren in Holstein and Schleswig.” The inhabitants of the fatherland are unable to emancipate themselves, but, Quixotte-like, are desirous to give liberty to others. It is more likely their great zeal for the union of Schleswig and Holstein is the dream of a German fleet, and intense passionate desire to get Keil as a German seaport. Denmark stated to the Bund that she will not withdraw the proclamation of the 30th of March; that she is ready to take into consideration the proposals of the German confederation and carry out those resolutions of the federal diet, not incompatible with the sovereign and legislative power of the King; that, having recognized the political autonomy of the duchies, no more can be done by her. The Danish government also stated that it will consider the sending of federal troops into Holstein an act of hostility, and will take the necessary measures for maintaining the integrity of the kingdom of Denmark. It is said that a draft of a treaty of alliance between Denmark and Sweden has already been drawn up, and that Sweden will place a “corps d’armée” at her disposal; independent of a treaty, this nation would not willingly remain passive spectators; in fact, the government could not sustain itself if it assumed a neutral position. Denmark and Sweden could blockade the German coast and ports of the Baltic, including the “Hanse” towns, and suffer but little in return. My own conclusions are, there is not much danger of such a rupture or difference as to lead to war. Germany is powerful for defence, not for aggression; often threatening, seldom strikes; quibbling always, never acting; correct in theory, false in practice; suggesting the attitude of the sculptured warrior, the blow ever impending, but never falls. Nor do I think England, France, or Russia will suffer this question to result in war, if it can be prevented by diplomacy or otherwise, as they very well know a very little spark will sometimes kindle a great European war.
A treaty of amity, comity, and navigation has been made between the kingdoms of Sweden and Norway and the republic of Liberia, in London, by Count Wachtmeister, (Swedish minister to England,) on the part of his government, and Gerard Ralston, on the part of Liberia.
The police arrangements made some time ago I will keep in force until the close of the navigation of the Baltic, on or about the 5th of December.
I remain your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c., Washington, U. S. A.