Mr. Wright to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Your despatch, No. 34, is just at hand. I have this moment returned from an audience with Count Bismarck. He seemed touched with the sentiments expressed by you on the subject of his attempted assassination, and with much feeling expressed his unfeigned gratitude to you, and the President of the United States, for the expression of sympathy contained in your despatch, assuring me he would immediately communicate the same to his Majesty the King.
Mr. Israel’s case was presented some days since upon a petition from his sister, accompanied with a note from myself. The count promises to give it immediate attention, and I shall expect his answer, or the release of Mr. Israel, in a few days. Yet it is almost impossible, in the present condition of affairs, to get the attention of government on individual cases. I have just learned of the arrest of Henry Rust, an American citizen, of Illinois, by the authorities of Lippe Schaumburg, for military service. As there is no representative of that government at Berlin, I shall communicate directly with the minister of foreign affairs in his behalf. If this is not successful I shall visit the government and demand his release.
Mr. Rust has a family in Illinois. He is a thoroughly loyal man, serving in our army, and was at his brother’s side when he fell in defence of our country.
I would suggest the propriety of sending a man-of-war to the mouth of the Elbe during these troublous times. Having a large number of American ships and vast amounts of property continually at the ports of Bremen and Hamburg, the two most important ports for American interests in Europe, the sight of such a vessel would do good. Other neutral nations send their vessels, which are continually cruising near these ports, protecting the interests of their several countries.
Nothing has transpired since my last despatch as to the movements of the Austrian army. The general impression is that an engagement will take place the last of the week, and this view was entertained and expressed in the interview I had with Count Bismarck to-day.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.