Count Bismarck to Joseph A. Wright, August 9, 1866

Count Bismarck to Mr. Wright.

Dear Sir: From the enclosed letters you had been good enough to communicate to me, I see the contributors to that munificent donation of ice, which has been sent successively from Hamburg for our hospitals, include a considerable number of your countrymen.

The war office has already conveyed to the committee the thanks of his Majesty’s government for the patriotic feeling which prompted the gift, and for the inestimable benefit conferred upon our wounded soldiers. It becomes my pleasant duty to add the expression of my sentiments of deep gratification at the active sympathy evinced by citizens of the United States with our struggle, which, undertaken for the defence of our homes, will, under God’s blessing, secure the condition to Germany of national life, and to Europe of lasting peace.

Believe me, dear sir, yours, very sincerely,