John C. Wright to William H. Seward, June 14, 1866

Mr. Wright to Mr. Seward.

Sir: * * * * *

Prussian troops are in possession of Holstein. This was accomplished without resistance from the Austrian troops. The moment Austria presented the question of Schleswig and Holstein to the consideration of the German confederation, (in violation of the treaty of Gastein,) Prussia claimed the right to hold Holstein jointly with Austria, admitting at the same time that Austria could also hold Schleswig in common with Prussia. The Prussian troops, in marching into Holstein, met the Austrian, yet no bad feeling was manifested. Two days since the Austrian troops left, leaving Prussia in possession of both Schleswig and Holstein. On receiving the news of the Prussian troops occupying Holstein, the Austrian minister demanded his passports, and yesterday the whole Austrian legation left for Vienna. The Prussian minister at Vienna, with all the members of the legation, returns from Vienna to-day.

The question presented by Austria to the German confederation is not, as to who is to govern and hold Schleswig-Holstein, but it contemplates the German confederation will authorize the mobilization of the entire federal army, place this army on a war footing with a view of reinstating Austria in Holstein and expelling the Prussian. Austria also expects the confederation will give some opinion on the subject of disarming of troops. A decision is expected today on these and other questions. The result and time of the decision are alike doubtful. Count Bismarck’s despatch of the 8th instant to the Prussian representatives abroad, (herewith enclosed,) exhibits so much bitterness, that within the past week Prussia has lost ground with many of the smaller states. In addition to this, Count Bismarck’s circular of the 11th instant recommends a new programme for the German confederation, namely, to leave Austria out of the new confederation. He also recommends that the federal army raised by the new confederation shall hereafter be under the command of Prussia in the north, and Bavaria in the south. This is also calculated to prejudice Prussia with the smaller states. It is not possible for things to remain many days in their present condition. The Prussian army is now estimated at six hundred and forty-seven thousand, including fifteen thousand officers. Her cannon numbers one thousand and eight, one-half of them rifled. One hundred and thirty-two thousand horses. The government is establishing hospitals in every part of the country; placards for organizations to provide for the support of wives and children of the soldiers are placed on walls all over the city, and money is being raised to take care of the sick, wounded, and dying, yet not a blow has been struck, many believing with the undersigned that war between Prussia and Austria will yet be avoided.

I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,