The Swedish law is very strict against the violation of the rights of neutrals, and I am assured that there is no apprehension that any of the ports of this kingdom or of Norway will be prostituted to the wicked purpose of fitting out privateers. * * * * * * * B. F. ANGEL. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, Herewith I beg permission to enclose a copy of my note to Count Manderstrom, minister of foreign affairs, transmitting copies of the President's proclamations establishing a blockade of the ports in the seceding States, which I hope may meet your approbation. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. ANGEL. Hon. Wм. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c. LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, SIR: The President of the United States, in view of the disturbed and unhappy condition of public affairs in the southern portion of our confederacy, and in the exercise of what he regards as a legal right and constitutional duty, has ordered and established an effective blockade of the ports in the several States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, and North Carolina. I have the honor herewith to transmit to your excellency copies of the President's proclamations upon this subject, for the information of his Majesty's government, and I avail myself of the occasion to offer to your excellency the renewed assurance of my high consideration. SIR: In my conference with Count Manderstrom to-day I was informed that no application has been made to the Swedish government on behalf of the people of the so-called Confederate States for their recognition as an inde pendent nation, and although passports are not now required, either in Sweden or Norway, I am quite sure no agents are here from the seceded States for any purpose whatever. * * * * I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c., Washington. * B. F. ANGEL. In the contest in which we are unfortunately engaged, it is of great importance to secure the good opinion of mankind, and I am gratified in being able to inform you that, so far as my reading and observations extend, the better informed European statesmen express the opinion that those charged with the administration of public affairs have acted with the greatest moderation and forbearance under circumstances which might perhaps have jus tified retaliatory measures, and in their defence of constitutional law and an organized government against treason and revolution they will have the sympathy and best wishes of all conservatives on this side the Atlantic. No. 1.] Mr. Haldeman to Mr. Seward. [Extract.] LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, * * * * * * * SIR: Yesterday I called, by appointment, upon Count Manderstrom, minister of foreign affairs. Count M., in behalf of his government, welcomed me most cordially to Sweden as the representative of the United States of America. Count Manderstrom informed me of the absence of his Majesty in Norway, whose return was daily expected, and that an early day would be fixed for the audience to present my letter of credence. During the interview he referred to the condition of affairs in the United States, and expressed himself strongly in favor of our government. From the limited opportunity I have had to judge, I have no hesitation in the declaration of the opinion that the sympathy of the entire north of Europe is almost unanimously in favor of the existing government of the United States. The emigration from this part of Europe having been to the northern or free States, they speak as if they would like to give active aid to their friends, relatives, and countrymen. * * * * * * I have the honor to be, with respect, your obedient servant, 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. of these officers are eminent military engineers. * I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, &c., &c, &c. Two J. S. HALDEMAN. No. 2.] Mr. Seward to Mr. Haldeman. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, July 8, 1861. SIR: Your despatch of June 14 (No. 1) has just been received. Your safe arrival at your destination is a source of satisfaction, and the information you give concerning the tone and temper of public opinion in the north of Europe, with regard to the present embarrassment in our domestic affairs, is especially gratifying. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, JACOB S. HALDEMAN, Esq., &c., &c., &c. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 3.] Mr. Seward to Mr. Haldeman. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, July 25, 1861. SIR: Your despatch of June 26 (No. 2) has been received. So much of it as relates to the preservation of the archives, and other matters of subordinate interest, will be noticed in a distinct paper. The President is gratified by the account of the friendly reception you have received from his Majesty, and directs me to congratulate you upon the good auspices under which your mission is commenced. You will lose no good opportunity for assuring the government of Sweden that the United States entertain the highest consideration and cherish the best wishes for his Majesty and the Swedish people. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, JACOB S. HALDEMAN, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Stockholm. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. |