[Extract.]
Mr. Wright to Mr.
Seward.
No. 50.]
Legation of the United States,
Berlin,
September 3, 1866.
Sir: * * * * Prussia is working rapidly to
close up all matters by treaty with the smaller states. On Wednesday
last, during the debate in the Prussian Chambers, providing that the
Prussian constitution shall become operative and binding in Hanover,
Nassau, Hesse-Cassel, and Frankfort, on the 1st of October, 1867, Count
Bismarck made some significant remarks. I enclose you the same. Prussia
will compel the Saxon troops to take the usual military oath to the King
of Prussia; she will hold
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possession of all the military posts throughout Saxony, including
Dresden, and the Saxon troops who have fought under Austrian colors will
either be disbanded or placed on Prussian territory. Saxony may be ruled
for a few years by King John, as a temporary governor without authority
or power, soon to pass away, and the ancient Saxon will become a part of
the Prussian empire.
Upon hearing of the arrest of Charles Bergen and Charles Müller, said to
have been taken forcibly from the American steamship Baltic, in the
harbor of Bremerhaven, by order of the captain of the Prussian
man-of-war Nymph, I called Count Bismarck’s attention to the subject,
and I learn this morning that the Prussian captain asserts that the two
men left the American ship voluntarily. I am as yet ignorant of the
facts in the case, but will investigate, and advise the government
immediately.
Count Bismarck forwarded me a note on the subject of the ice furnished
the Prussian soldiers, (principally by Americans,) in July last; it is
so expressive and kind I enclose you a copy of the same.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
Extract of Count Bismarck’s speech.
It was just possible that Prussia would be called upon to vindicate
the possession of what she has now acquired. The first Silesian war
produced a second and a third, and there was no telling whether they
might not have to go through a similar succession of campaigns in
the present instance. He, therefore, wished to have the matter
promptly settled, so as to give foreign powers no further
opportunity for interference. To do a necessary thing at once was to
gain a double advantage from it. The cabinet had difficulties to
contend with in various quarters, and might well expect the house to
second its action, considering what the circumstances of the times
were The right of Prussia to annex the states mentioned was a more
sacred right than that of conquest. It was from the right of Germany
to live, breathe, and exist that Prussia derived her commission to
incorporate with her own body politic such disjecta membra of the nation as had been won in honest
warfare. The interval between now and the extension of the Prussian
constitution to the new provinces he would employ to proclaim the
laws of military service in them, and establish the right of all
subjects of the Crown to reside and carry on trade in any part of
the United Kingdom. He had no doubt that before long all classes in
the states annexed would unite in acknowledging the wisdom of this
proceeding. This was a transition period, but its attendant
difficulties could be easily overcome by the adoption of the proper
means. He was not surprised to find that, when people in the minor
states had so long enjoyed an existence undisturbed by great
political cares, there should be some among them averse to the
duties of a more responsible position. But the great majority took a
more extended view even now, and the rest would come round soon
enough. In point of fact, the only choice they had was to become the
citizens of a great German state or be at the mercy of foreign
powers.
Count Bismarck to Mr. Wright.
Dear Sir: From the enclosed letters you had
been good enough to communicate to me, I see the contributors to
that munificent donation of ice, which has been sent successively
from Hamburg for our hospitals, include a considerable number of
your countrymen.
The war office has already conveyed to the committee the thanks of
his Majesty’s government for the patriotic feeling which prompted
the gift, and for the inestimable benefit conferred upon our wounded
soldiers. It becomes my pleasant duty to add the expression of my
sentiments of deep gratification at the active sympathy evinced by
citizens of the United States with our struggle, which, undertaken
for the defence of our homes, will, under God’s blessing, secure the
condition to Germany of national life, and to Europe of lasting
peace.
Believe me, dear sir, yours, very sincerely,
Joseph A. Wright,
&c., &c., &c.
