Mr. Seward to Mr. Morris.

No. 41.]

Sir: Your despatch of October 16 (No. 32) has been submitted to the President, and is approved.

You will take an early occasion to express to the Sultan the satisfaction which the President has derived from the good faith which his Imperial Majesty has so manifestly shown in bringing to just punishment one of the felons who so causelessly and so mercilessly assassinated the revered American missionary, Mr. Coffin.

The President sincerely hopes that the efforts which the imperial government is making to secure the arrest and punishment of the accomplice, who is yet at large, will prove successful. Painful as these examples of justice are in themselves, they are nevertheless humane in their character, since there is no other means of securing the safety of innocent and unguarded men in their journeyings through certain portions of the Turkish empire.

The fidelity, zeal, and perseverance which Mr. Johnson, our consul at Beyrout, has exercised, are highly appreciated by the President, and you are authorized to express that approbation to the consul.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

E. J. Morris, Esq., &c., &c., &c.