Mr. Seward to Mr. Pike .

No. 23.]

Sir: By some accident our foreign mail missed the steamer. It is only just now that I have received your despatch of September 4, (No. 15.) The proceeding at CuraƧoa in regard to the Sumter was so extraordinary, and so entirely contrary to what this government had expected from that of Holland, that I lose no time in instructing you to urge the consideration of the subject with as much earnestness as possible. I cannot believe that that government will hesitate to disavow the conduct of the authorities if they have been correctly reported to this department.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

James S. Pike, Esq., &c., &c., &c.