William Preston to William H. Seward, April 22, 1861

Mr. Preston to Mr. Seward.

Sir: An interview has taken place between the minister of foreign affairs and myself in reference to the subject embraced in your circular.

In conformity with your instructions, I presented the inaugural address of the President as expressive of his policy towards the seceding States, and read to him your despatch, saying that the administration conceived that the unhappy differences existing in America owed their origin to popular passions and were of a transient character, and that the President was well assured of the speedy restoration of the harmony and unity of the government.

The minister replied with courtesy, expressing pain at the posture of affairs in the United States, but said that her Majesty’s government was informed that extensive military and naval preparations were making in the north to enforce the federal supremacy in the south, and that the consequences were to be dreaded. I replied that I felt assured his information was erroneous.

No commissioners from the Confederated States have yet applied for the recognition of the Southern Confederacy, as I informed you in my former despatch. The minister has promised me that no negotiations for that purpose shall be conducted without my being fully informed. This is as satisfactory an arrangement as could be desired under existing circumstances.

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I have the honor to remain your obedient servant,