Murphy to William H. Seward, April 30, 1861

Mr. Murphy to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you hereunto annexed a copy of the reply of the minister of foreign affairs to my note addressed to him on the 8th instant, of which a copy was transmitted to you with my despatch, No. 53, of the 10th instant. After reciting very particularly the contents of that note, and expressing the regrets of his Majesty at the posture of our affairs and his hope that the difficulties will be surmounted, the minister concludes in these words:

“The undersigned, in acquitting himself of the orders of the King, has the honor to bring at the same time to the knowledge of Mr. Murphy that, already in the month of December last, the envoy of the King at Washington had recommended to the Dutch consuls in the United States to abstain from all intervention in the political affairs of the country within their jurisdiction, and that this requirement has been approved by the government of the Netherlands.”

If the note required an answer at this time, it certainly should have received something more to the point than this paragraph. I apprehend, however, that this government will say nothing in regard to the recognition of the independence of the seceding States until the great powers of Europe have taken their ground, and that it will follow them if they be in accord.

I have also the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 39, with the gold medal for Captain Van Albuy, of the Dutch bark Hendrica. I have, in accordance with your direction, transmitted the medal to the minister of foreign affairs, with a request that it be presented to Captain Van Albuy in the name of the President.

I am, sir, yours respectfully,