Mr. Clay to Mr. Seward .
[Extract.]
St. Petersburg, Russia, June 7, 1861.
Sir: * * * * * * * * *
I find here your letters Nos. 1, 2, and 3. No. 1, giving me information which, if sooner received, would have avoided the necessity of my remarks in my last letter personal to myself, as I there find myself advised of my right to receive salary from the time of my leaving home to my arrival here I need only add that the documents referred to in No. 1 are also received, as well as your circular of the 6th May, (printed,) all of which shall receive my earliest attention.
[Page 303]I found the Emperor absent in the direction of Moscow; and being introduced by our minister, Mr. Appleton, to the assistant secretary of state. General Tolstoy, (the premier, Gortchacow, now being also absent,) I was advised by him to await the return of the Emperor; and I presumed it would not be agreeable to the Emperor for me to follow on, so I shall await his return to this city. I may add that the secretary gave me a very cordial meeting, speaking partly in English and partly in French; assured me of the continued feeling of friendship on the part of Russia for the Union, and his hope that the Confederate States would not venture an embassy here. In a word, I venture to say that the French and Russian Emperors are friendly to our Union.
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I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Hon. W. H. Seward,
Secretary of State, &c.