William H. Seward to J. Lothrop Motley, October 5, 1863

Mr. Seward to Mr. Motley

Sir: I have to thank you very earnestly for your interesting summary of the recent movements at Frankfort for the reorganization of the states of Germany. The United States entertain such cordial sentiments towards the states of Germany, severally, as must forbid any proceedings calculated to embarrass the just action of either of them for its own security and advancement. But this feeling ought not to restrain us from saying that every effort to consolidate all the German states under a federation which would promote the common development and progress of the entire fatherland would be hailed in this country with profound satisfaction.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,