Mr. Seward to Mr. Clay
No. 41.]
Department of State,
Washington,
October 23, 1863.
Sir: I enclose a copy of a despatch of the 29th ultimo, No. 16, from William Edwin Phelps, esq., our consul at St. Petersburg, in relation to a proposed expedient to evade the foreign enlistment act of Great Britain, and to a reported proposed sale of two steamers there for blockade-running or privateering.
I will thank you to bring these matters to the knowledge of Prince Gortchacow, and to request him to apply the remedy, if needed.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM H. SEWARD.
Cassius M. Clay, Esq., &c., &c., &c.