Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part II

Mr. Seward to Mr. Clay.

No. 34.]

Department of State, Washington, September 3, 1863.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the reception of your two despatches, namely: No. 16, of the 25th of July, and No. 17, of the 5th of August.

The information recently received from Europe confirms the impression I have already communicated to you, that the western powers will take care to avoid a war with Russia, at least throughout the present year.

Your suggestions in regard to the policy proper to be observed in reference to the conduct of our civil war, and the subject of slavery, has been submitted to the President.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Cassius M. Clay, Esq., &c., &c., &c.