Mr. Pike to Mr. Seward
Sir: I am without any of your favors excepting yours of the 2d instant, No. 252.
[Page 398]There is little of public interest going on in Europe at this moment excepting what refers to the cholera and the cattle plague.
A lively concern prevailed in regard to the former until a marked change of weather took place a few days ago. The exceptional condition of the atmosphere which has steadily prevailed since spring has led to constant apprehension of some unusual condition of the public health. The gales and storms which have occurred within the last week have now done much to dissipate the remains of this apprehension. The great atmospheric disturbance, it is believed, will also modify the plague raging among the cattle.
This government has been especially active in obtaining the facts in regard to the spread of this murrain in Holland, the nature of the attacks, and the medical treatment in the various cases. This information it has given to the public, through the public journals, from day to day.
When these labors shall be completed, I will endeavor to collect the facts of their experience for transmission to you. They may be of service, in case the pestilence should visit our shores.
The recent publication by the British government of the late correspondence between Earl Russell and Mr. Adams on the Alabama and kindred claims has largely occupied public attention. The apparently positive announcement that the English government will not submit those claims to arbitration excites a little uneasiness.
The report (I suppose unfounded) of a recent peremptory correspondence of our government with France on the Mexican question has had a similar effect
The popular mind is alert to snuff the daily apprehension in the conduct of the now “great republic.”
Following the scornful taunts of the last four years, these apprehensions are not, perhaps, unnatural.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.