Mr. Stanton to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the fifth instant, transmitting a despatch (No. 35, of 1863) from Mr. Murphy, the consul general of the United States at Frankfort-on-the-Main, together with the shipper’s receipt for seventy-nine packages of lint and linen, contributed in Germany for the use of the United States army.

In reply, I have the honor to inform you that upon reference of your communication with its enclosure to the Surgeon General, the same has been returned by that officer, with a report in the following words, viz:

“Arrangements have been made for the reception and distribution of all such contributions, and, on the ninth instant, a requisition was sent to the Secretary of War asking for funds to meet the expenses connected with this transportation.”

A requisition to meet the expenses above mentioned has been sent to the Treasury Department.

I will thank you to convey to Consul General Murphy, and through him to the donors of these timely contributions, the thanks of this department and of all those for whose benefit and relief the same were intended.

In accordance with your request, the despatch of Mr. Murphy is herewith returned.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.