Mr. Judd to Mr. Seward.
[Extracts.]
Berlin, July 2, 1861.
Sir: I arrived in Berlin on Thursday, the twenty-seventh ultimo, and was cordially welcomed by my predecessor, Mr. Wright, whose attentions and civilities, together with the information imparted to me in connexion with the mission, have tended very much to make my entry into Berlin and induction into office agreeable and pleasant.
Mr. Wright’s position here and his influence, as the representative of our government, with the authorities, has been alike creditable and honorable to himself and useful to the citizens of the United States.
His firm straightforward Americanism has won the respect of, and exerted a decided influence upon, the ruling powers of this kingdom.
On the 28th of June Mr. Wright applied to his excellency Baron Schleinitz, minister of foreign affairs, for an interview, for the purpose of presenting his open letter of recall, and affording me the opportunity of presenting the copy of my letter of credence, and requesting my presentation to his Majesty the King.
The baron named the next day, at three o’clock p. m.; and, in accordance with the appointment, Mr. Wright and myself called upon the minister and presented our respective letters. In reply to my request for an audience, the baron stated that the King was at Potsdam; that he would notify him of our wishes, and advise of his Majesty’s pleasure upon the subject.
* * * *
On Monday, the first of July, a note from the minister advised me that the King would receive me in private audience at his palace in Berlin at half past four p. m. of that day.
Mr. Wright and myself attended, in pursuance of the summons, and were presented to his Majesty by Baron Schleinitz.
Mr. Wright presented his letter of recall, and addressed his Majesty some remarks appropriate to the occasion, of which his despatch of to-day will contain an account.
I then presented my letter of credence, and stated to his Majesty that I was instructed by the President to convey to him the President’s wishes for his health and happiness, and for the prosperity of his kingdom. That our government desired that the friendly relations so long existing between the two governments might continue and increase with the growing prosperity [Page 47] of the two nations. That for myself, personally, I hoped that my residence near his Majesty’s government might be useful to the citizens of my country, and acceptable to his Majesty. That I should endeavor in my official action to promote and increase the harmony, good will, and friendly feelings that had so long existed between the two nations, and that I presented my own best wishes for the health and happiness of his Majesty.
The King, in reply, expressed his warm feelings towards Mr. Wright, and stated that he regretted the troubles in our country; that he hoped soon to see them ended, and the integrity and majesty of our government and law maintained, and order triumph.
He thanked Mr. Wright for his allusion to the past friendly relations, and the manner in which he had promoted the same, and assured us that he was happy to hear through me the assurance of the continuance of the same.
The day following my presentation was occupied by me in establishing my relations with the ministers of state and the several diplomatic functionaries residing at this court.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.