Mr. Seward to Mr. Sanford, June 21, 1861

Mr. Seward to Mr.
Sanford.

Sir: Your despatches (No. 5, dated May 26, and
No. 6, of the same date) have been received. We are especially pleased
with Mr. De Vrière’s just and friendly sentiments in regard to our
affairs.

You are aware that the declaration of Paris enjoins each of the parties
that have signed it not to negotiate any other changes of the law of
nations concerning the rights of neutrals in maritime war. We have
supposed that this would operate to prevent Great Britain, and probably
France, from receiving our accession to the declaration, if we should
insist on the amendment proposed by Mr. Marcy, namely, the exemption of
private property of non-belligerents from confiscation. But we should
now, as the instructions heretofore given you have already informed you,
vastly prefer to have that amendment accepted. Nevertheless, if this
cannot be done, let the convention be made for adherence to the
declaration pure and simple.

The feverish excitement which prevailed when you left the country is
passing away. Public confidence in the ability of the government to
repress the insurrection and preserve the Union is practically restored,
and the beneficial result that two months ago seemed problematical is
now regarded as only a question of time.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,