Bradford R. Wood to William H. Seward, July 19, 1861

Mr. Wood to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to inform the department that, in an interview yesterday with the president of the council and minister of state, Mr. Hall, he readily acceded to the doctrine of the Paris convention in regard to privateering, though reluctant, in the present state of European affairs, to adopt the position of your predecessor, Mr. Marcy. He mentioned the fact that a Danish man-of-war had been sent to the West Indies for the purpose of preventing privateering and preserving the neutrality of Denmark.

The King is still absent, in Jutland, and my reception as the representative of my government by the minister of state, without the formality of a presentation to the King, should be considered a compliment to that government.

I have the honor to remain your obedient servant,