Mr. Pike to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to enclose you my account for the quarter ending June 30.
Since my last I have your despatch of June 21 (No. 59.)
The Japanese embassy, now making the tour of Europe, have spent some time here during the last few weeks, and have been the recipient of official and other civilities. The King fixed a day on which to receive them while they were yet in London, but they failed to extricate themselves from the blandishments of that metropolis in season to reach here at the time appointed. They came directly afterward, but meantime his Majesty had been taken, by affairs of state, to his country-seat, and the ambassadors were compelled to wait a fortnight for his return.
This government has declined to accede to their request to postpone the time stipulated by treaty for the opening of the Japanese ports, and awaits the action of the French government on that question.
The French minister at this court, Count Sartiges, has just returned here from Paris, where he has been absent several months on leave.
He informs me that the fall of New Orleans produced a profound impression in Paris, and that, if it should be followed by the federal occupation of Richmond before the close of the campaign, the rebellion would be regarded by the French government as virtually overcome.
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The check to our arms before Richmond will be fruitful of a large crop of propositions from this side for a relaxation of the blockade, settlement), mediation, &c, and some of them may take an urgent form. According to my views, heretofore expressed, the time is about up when the pressure of the cotton question will begin to show itself in the action of the great powers [Page 613] upon our affairs, and the reverse which it is reported General McClellan had met with comes at an opportune moment to afford a convenient pretext.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.