Mr. Seward to Mr. Wright.
Sir: Your despatches of the 3d of September, No. 50, and of September 6th, No. 51, have been received. I thank you for the interesting extract of Count Bismarck’s speech, concerning the settlement of the German question, which you have given to me. It speaks in the tone of true nationality.
Some complaints have been made here of the arrest by force, as represented, of Charles Bergen and Charles Muller, on the American steamship Baltic, in the harbor of Bremerhaven, by order of the captain of the Prussian man-of-war Nymph. It is represented to have been unlawful and forcible. I trust your will follow that subject to an early and satisfactory explanation.
Will you suggest informally to Count Bismarck the inquiry, whether it would not be deemed consistent now with the dignity and greatness of Prussia to recognize the principle of naturalization as a natural and inherent right of manhood. In reflecting upon the subject, I am not able to believe that Prussia, any more than the United States, can or need to rely upon compulsory military [Page 47] service by subjects who have incorporated themselves as members of foreign states.
Secondly, I know of no circumstances which would tend to place Prussia on an elevation so high among the modern nations as the adoption of that principle which lies at the basis of the American republic.
You will express to Count Bismarck my appreciation of the delicate note which he wrote on the subject of gifts of ice by American citizens in Hamburg to the inmates of Prussian hospitals.
I thank you for your attention in sending me the treaty of peace which has been celebrated between Austria and Prussia.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Joseph A. Wright, Esq., &c., &c., &c.