William H. Seward to Henry S. Sanford , Esq., & c ., & c ., & c . , Brussels, December 17, 1863

Mr. Seward to Mr. Sanford.

Sir:Tour despatch of the 19th of November, No. 161, has been received. It is accompanied by information that Great Britain, after deliberate consideration, has declined to enter the congress proposed by the Emperor of the French. The President sincerely hopes that the apprehensions of war in Europe, that attend the agitation of the Emperor’s suggestion, may not be realized. If the great maritime powers could now see the expediency of revoking their recognition of the American insurgents as a naval belligerent, they would hasten the return of peace in this hemisphere. If they themselves are going to engage in war in their own hemisphere, I think they will soon find occasion to regret the positions they have assumed in regard to the civil war which distresses the American continent.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,