James H. Campbell to William H. Seward, April 8, 1865

Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward

Sir: Your despatch of the 13th of February, No. 13, has been received.

I took occasion to communicate to Count Manderstrom the action of my government on the subject of the Bergen international exhibition, with which he expressed himself much gratified.

A letter from Mr. Wood, United States minister resident at Copenhagen, of the 1st instant, and received by me on the 6th instant, informed me that “confederate agents” were prowling around that city in search of a vessel that would answer for piratical purposes, and that he (Mr. Wood) understood that “Waddell, the captain of the late Florida,” who was there, had said that he might go to Sweden, &c.

I immediately took the necessary steps to place the consuls of the United States at the Swedish and Norwegian ports on their guard against the supposed purposes of these rebel emissaries, and requested careful watchfulness of their operations.

I enclose a copy of Mr. Wood’s note, (No. 1,) and of my reply, (No. 2,) as well as a copy of a letter addressed by me to the consul at Gothenburg, Mr. Thomas, on the subject, (No. 3.)

Preparations for the resumption of commerce with the Baltic ports are now being made. It is supposed the navigation will be free from ice after the 15th or 20th instant. The winter has been one of unusual severity, but the snow and ice are now fast disappearing.

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I have the honor to be your obedient servant,