William H. Seward to James S. Pike, February 4, 1863

Mr. Seward to Mr. Pike.

Sir: Your despatch of January 14 (No. 72) has been received, and the President is specially gratified with the calmness and confidence which pervade the views you have expressed concerning the condition of our national affairs as it is understood in Europe.

We have entered upon new campaigns, whose events cannot fail to affect public opinion abroad as well as at home. We have boundless and excited discussions, as might be expected among a free people, and all these discussions are overheard with exaggeration of the tone of the disputants in foreign countries. Nevertheless, it may very well be doubted whether any other government, whatever its constitution, has gone more steadily, more firmly, more dispassionately, or more energetically through trials equal to those we have already surmounted.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,