Mr. Judd to Mr. Seward, July 2, 1861

Mr. Judd to Mr.
Seward.

Sir: I arrived in Berlin on Thursday, the
twenty-seventh ultimo, and was cordially welcomed by my predecessor, Mr.
Wright, whose attentions and civilities, together with the information
imparted to me in connexion with the mission, have tended very much to
make my entry into Berlin and induction into office agreeable and
pleasant.

Mr. Wright’s position here and his influence, as the representative of
our government, with the authorities, has been alike creditable and
honorable to himself and useful to the citizens of the United
States.

His firm straightforward Americanism has won the respect of, and exerted
a decided influence upon, the ruling powers of this kingdom.

On the 28th of June Mr. Wright applied to his excellency Baron
Schleinitz, minister of foreign affairs, for an interview, for the
purpose of presenting his open letter of recall, and affording me the
opportunity of presenting the copy of my letter of credence, and
requesting my presentation to his Majesty the King.

The baron named the next day, at three o’clock p. m.; and, in accordance
with the appointment, Mr. Wright and myself called upon the minister and
presented our respective letters. In reply to my request for an
audience, the baron stated that the King was at Potsdam; that he would
notify him of our wishes, and advise of his Majesty’s pleasure upon the
subject.

* * * *

On Monday, the first of July, a note from the minister advised me that
the King would receive me in private audience at his palace in Berlin at
half past four p. m. of that day.

Mr. Wright and myself attended, in pursuance of the summons, and were
presented to his Majesty by Baron Schleinitz.

Mr. Wright presented his letter of recall, and addressed his Majesty some
remarks appropriate to the occasion, of which his despatch of to-day
will contain an account.

I then presented my letter of credence, and stated to his Majesty that I
was instructed by the President to convey to him the President’s wishes
for his health and happiness, and for the prosperity of his kingdom.
That our government desired that the friendly relations so long existing
between the two governments might continue and increase with the growing
prosperity of the two nations.
That for myself, personally, I hoped that my residence near his
Majesty’s government might be useful to the citizens of my country, and
acceptable to his Majesty. That I should endeavor in my official action
to promote and increase the harmony, good will, and friendly feelings
that had so long existed between the two nations, and that I presented
my own best wishes for the health and happiness of his Majesty.

The King, in reply, expressed his warm feelings towards Mr. Wright, and
stated that he regretted the troubles in our country; that he hoped soon
to see them ended, and the integrity and majesty of our government and
law maintained, and order triumph.

He thanked Mr. Wright for his allusion to the past friendly relations,
and the manner in which he had promoted the same, and assured us that he
was happy to hear through me the assurance of the continuance of the
same.

The day following my presentation was occupied by me in establishing my
relations with the ministers of state and the several diplomatic
functionaries residing at this court.

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,