William H. Seward to James S. Pike, May 9, 1862

Mr. Seward to Mr. Pike.

Sir: Your despatch of April 23 (No. 41) has been received.

The efforts, financial, military, and naval, which the United States have made during the past year were necessarily irregular and convulsive as increasing evils and multiplying dangers revealed themselves. But that revolutionary habit, or rather want of habit, has passed away. The nation now understands fully its task, and is able to contemplate the utmost possible enlargement of it which can happen, and it is engaged in the performance of it soberly, thoughtfully, deliberately, and without any sense of embarrassment or self-distrust”. It is hardly to be expected that distrust abroad should subside as rapidly as alarm at home, but our financial soundness cannot be a subject for speculation abroad very long after the probability of a defeat of the revolution shall have been admitted.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,