DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1864

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1864-02-11

Thursday 11  The political affairs of the old continent  do not present a very cheerful place.  It seems that Denmark and the German states are going to have war with each other, which is caused by the death of the King of Denmark which the prince of Augustenberg of Holstein claims to have separated the Grand duchies of Schleswig and Holstein from the Danish government and returned them to their independence, this Christian the present king of Denmark denies, and he seems to be supported by England and France.  The signs are very favorable for bloody work and if the ruling powers of Europe are not careful they may inaugurate a general war which will produce a tremendous political change.  Poland seems to be completely humbled by its potent ruler, the czar of Russia, and the thousands of heroes who fought for the liberation of their country died the death of a traitor.  More ironclads are being built ostensibly for the Emperor of China but in reality for the Southern Confederacy, for the Despotism of Jeff. Davis, in French Ports, I hope the French government may act more honorably than the English has done, for if it too acts with bad faith towards, we will take revenge in Mexico on the French as soon as our [?] quarrel is settled.  It is said that Maximillian has accepted the crown of Mexico, and has gone of Paris to receive imperial honors, I fear they will prove very empty ones in a short time, for our country will never, it can not permit him  to rule Mexico.

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Thursday 11 The political affairs of the old continent do not present a very cheerful place. It seems that Denmark and the German states are going to have war with each other, which is caused by the death of the King of Denmark which the prince of Augustenberg of Holstein claims to have separated the Grand duchies of Schleswig and Holstein from the Danish government and returned them to their independence, this Christian the present king of Denmark denies, and he seems to be supported by England and France. The signs are very favorable for bloody work and if the ruling powers of Europe are not careful they may inaugurate a general war which will produce a tremendous political change. Poland seems to be completely humbled by its potent ruler, the czar of Russia, and the thousands of heroes who fought for the liberation of their country died the death of a traitor. More ironclads are being built ostensibly for the Emperor of China but in reality for the Southern Confederacy, for the Despotism of Jeff. Davis, in French Ports, I hope the French government may act more honorably than the English has done, for if it too acts with bad faith towards, we will take revenge in Mexico on the French as soon as our [?] quarrel is settled. It is said that Maximillian has accepted the crown of Mexico, and has gone of Paris to receive imperial honors, I fear they will prove very empty ones in a short time, for our country will never, it can not permit him to rule Mexico.