William H. Seward to J. Lothrop Motley, January 10, 1862

Mr. Seward to Mr. Motley.

Sir: Your despatch (No. 2) of November, no day named, has been received.

The account you give of your reception by Count Rechberg, and also of your audience with the Emperor, is exceedingly gratifying.

The observations made by you on those occasions were, in the main, very just and apposite, and we cannot doubt that they will produce good effects.

Events crowd each other, and the question raised in a despatch gives place to a more urgent if not more grave one before the reply can be received. I have directed a copy of the general diplomatic correspondence of the year, a copy of the correspondence on the Trent affair, and, finally, a copy of the correspondence between Count Rechberg, Mr. Hulsemann, and myself, relating to the same subject, to be transmitted to you.

These papers will give you all that is understood here of our relations with foreign powers at the present moment, and will enable you, perhaps, to anticipate the future as well as we can.

Our arms continue to be steadily successful, and when we shall have completed our financial arrangements I trust that the cause of the Union will become as hopeful as it is just.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,