Jacob S. Haldeman to William H. Seward, October 10, 1863

Mr. Haldeman to Mr. Seward.

Sir:The enclosed note has been addressed by Count Manderström, Swedish minister of foreign affairs, to the Swedish ambassadors in London and Paris. The note of Count Manderström fully confirms the intimations given in the King of Denmark’s address to the Chambers.

Count Manderström asserts that every pretext for “federal execution” has been removed by the repeated declarations of Denmark; that the invasion of any territory of Denmark must be considered a hostile attack, which it is the duty of Denmark to oppose by all means at her disposal. Count Manderström says, “Things have arrived at a point at which foreign intervention in the internal affairs of Denmark becomes really unendurable; the most extreme measures would be preferable to an unjustifiable submission, in which the Danish people will not acquiesce.”

This is the present state of affairs: that both Sweden and Denmark now submit to the cabinets of London and Paris, claiming protection against German aggression. War can only be arrested by a word from Prussia, which will probably be the agent of the violence with which Denmark is threatened. But as Prussia has the stomach to eat with zest indefinite amount of diet, she will eat this (before war) as a change of diet for health by advice.

Count Manderström’s note is dated 25th September last.

I have the honor to remain your obedient servant,