Wells William to the Pope, July 30, 1870

The King of Prussia to the Pope.

Most August Pontiff: I was not surprised, but profoundly moved, on reading the touching words written by your hand in order to cause the voice of the God of peace to be heard. How could my heart avoid listening to so powerful an appeal? God is my witness that neither I nor my people have desired or provoked war. Obeying the sacred duties which God imposes on sovereigns and nations, we take up the sword in order to defend the honor and the independence of our country; and we shall be ready to lay it down as soon as these blessings can be secured. If your Holiness could offer me, on behalf of him who has so unexpectedly declared war, the assurance of sincerely pacific inclinations and guarantees against the repetition of such disturbance of the peace and tranquillity of Europe, I should certainly not refuse to receive them from the venerable hands of your Holiness, united as I am to you by the bonds of Christian charity and sincere friendship.