Mr. Seward to Mr. Taylor.

No. 13.]

Sir: Your despatch of December 19 (No. 23) has been received. The President is gratified with the favorable reception which the imperial government has accorded to Mr. Collins’s proposition for the privilege of extending the Russian telegraph. We wait, however, the definitive disposition of the subject which Prince Gortchacow has authorized you to expect.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Bayard Taylor, Esq., &c., &c.