Mr. Wright to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The meeting of the five powers which convened at Paris on Monday, the 12th instant, is the cause of the quietness now existing between Prussia and Austria. This conference will probably continue for months, as it is thought that many questions other than that of the Danubian principalities will have the attention of the plenipotentiaries.
[Page 10]Count Bismarck has endeavored to take some decisive steps in the Schleswig-Holstein question, but he has been restrained by the King and Crown Prince. He will doubtless go overboard if Prussia fails in acquiring this country; if successful, he may remain master of the situation. Count Bismarck was formerly Prussian minister at Paris, where he remained for several years, and is said to be most intimate with Napoleon.
It is believed in diplomatic circles that the count has written to Napoleon saying that if the Schleswig-Holstein question is brought before the conference, now in session at Paris, or if he should fail in carrying out his views in relation to the duchies, he would resign his position as premier. There is no telling what day the present calm will be changed into a storm.
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I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.