Mr. Seward to Mr. Wood.
Sir:Since the instruction to you of the 9th instant, the subject to which it relates has again been brought to the attention of the department by a despatch from the consul at Hamburg, accompanied by a copy of a letter to him from the directors of the Hamburg Steamship Company.
With regard to the controversy between Denmark and Germany, it is needless to say that we are neutrals, and that we shall take no part therein. Our relations to one country are not less friendly than those which exist towards the other, and for the sake of both, and of the general interests of society, we regret the war which has broken out between them.
The Bremen and Hamburg steamers are very useful to the United States as carriers of mails and merchandise, more so now than heretofore, owing to the embarrassments of our commerce. It would be agreeable to us if their trips should not be interrupted, and you are instructed to make this known to the Danish government. In doing so, however, you will be careful to let it be understood that we make no demand in the premises, and that all you have been instructed to communicate on the subject is intended to be merely suggestive of what would be considered by the United States as a gratifying evidence of the friendship and good will of Denmark.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Bradford R. Wood, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Copenhagen.