James H. Campbell to William H. Seward, November 4, 1865

Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward

Sir: Herewith I enclose a copy of the opening address of the King of Sweden and Norway, read to the Norwegian Storthing at the recent meeting of that body, and which was transmitted to this legation by the Swedish Foreign Office, together with a translation of the same.

No question of more than ordinary local interest is pending or will be laid before the Storthing at its present session, with the exception of a military measure intended to give the King more immediate control of the Norwegian troops, a proposition which, in my judgment, the careful and jealous Norwegians are not prepared to adopt.

Since the separation of Norway from Danish authority, the former has gradually and steadily increased in material prosperity. Last year the fisheries yielded abundantly, and the export of lumber and cattle showed considerable improvements over former years. The country gives manifest evidence of progress in various directions, and under a system of government which allows great freedom to the Norwegian, its continued well-doing may be expected.

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,