Mr. Seward to Mr. Marsh.
Sir: Your despatch of January 6, No. 36, has been received. I have submitted that portion of it which relates to the want of protection of our commerce in the Mediterranean to the Secretary of the Navy.
The complications of our commerce with foreign countries are not merely annoying, but very embarrassing. Nevertheless, they are regarded as not illegitimate consequences of the insurrection. Temporarily they impair the national prestige, but they do not very seriously endanger the cause of the Union. It is impossible to meet factious treason with due resistance at so many points in our own extended country and in every court and port throughout the world. But we have become at last, and certainly within a time not unreasonable, masters of our position at home. Soon, I trust, we shall find ourselves less exposed abroad. We have had eighty years’ experience of domestic peace: it would be unbecoming a magnanimous people to bear impatiently the evils of a brief insurrection, however great they may be. * * * *
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
George P. Marsh, Esq., &c., &c., Turin.