Mr. Seward to Mr. Marsh .
Washington, June 21, 1861.
Sir: Your despatch No. 2, written at Paris May 29, has been received.
The government not only accepts your explanation of the delay you have made on your way to your post of duty, but also appreciates and thanks you for the faithful service you have rendered to the country in an important crisis by your labors to correct an erroneous public opinion in Europe through the use of the press in London.
We hear with sincere regret and sorrow of the death of Count Cavour, a statesman honored none the less by the people of this country because the theatre of his labors is remote from our own. If it shall seem proper to you, you may express these sentiments to his Majesty.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
George P. Marsh, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Turin.