Mr. Seward to Mr. Motley.
Sir: It is with much pleasure that I acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 22d of February last. It presents a very vivid picture of the public sentiment which existed at Vienna at the moment of excitement produced by the success of the allies in expelling the Danes from the chief strongholds in Schleswig. I shall hold myself profoundly obliged by a continuation of your reports, until some solution of the controversy between Germany and Denmark shall have been received.
There is nothing of especial interest to be communicated to you concerning our affairs. Our forces are renewed and are in position. Expeditions and skirmishes indicate the beginning of a campaign. The late cavalry expedition of General Kilpatrick against Richmond was bold and none the less entitled to admiration because it just failed to accomplish the chivalrous result which was desired, rather than expected.
General Sherman’s march through Mississippi was well rewarded with captives and destruction of the insurgent’s munitions, supplies, and arms. General Smith’s cavalry raid was proportionably effective.
The popular elections show a gratifying soundness of public opinion and public virtue, while the amnesty offered by the President, coinciding with the painful experience of the evils of sedition, seems to be opening the way to a restoration of the authority of the Union.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
J. Lothrop Motley, &c., &c., &c., Vienna.