Office of the Historian
[Extracts.]

Mr. Clay to Mr. Seward

No. 29.]
Legation of the United States, St. Petersburg, Russia, November 8, 1863.

Sir: Yesterday Major General Greig, “of his Imperial Majesty’s suite,”

called upon me in the name of the officers of the navy and said “that he had [Page 267] been appointed by them to wait upon me and return their thanks to my countrymen who had shown so much friendship and courtesy to their comrades in America. That his Majesty, the Emperor, was now absent, but no doubt he would, on his return, make suitable acknowledgments to our government of the amicable reception of his subjects at New York. That the Russian officers had always been gratified to meet those of the American navy, and they should be most happy, should any ships-of-war visit Cronstadt, to reciprocate the late courtesies extended to their countrymen.” I replied that I was gratified to be the medium of the amiable sentiments of the Russian navy expressed towards my countrymen; but that it is they who felt themselves under obligation to the Emperor and people of Russia, that the popular manifestations of respect for the naval officers of Russia were not ordinary courtesies, but the heartfelt gratitude of the whole American people to his Majesty, the Emperor, who is admired for his liberation of the serfs, and loved for his friendly attitude towards the federal Union. * * * *

After this formal message and response more intimate reliance between Russia and America was the subject of our mutual aspirations. And the general retired, evidently gratified at the distinguished reception of his compatriots in the United States.

The Russian reception in American waters is the subject of conversation in all circles, and the gentry and the common people seem alike to understand and feel the friendly demonstration made at this time. * * * *

I am, truly, your obedient servant,

C. M. CLAY.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C., United States of America.

P. S.—I call your attention to addendum marked A.

C. M. C.

Addendum A.

In giving you the size of the guns on the French vessels, in my late despatch, I followed English authority. In the slip cut from the Times, herein enclosed, you will see that the calibre is 60 pounds instead of 30 pounds, a material difference.

C. M. CLAY.

French rifled guns.

To the Editor of the Times:

Sir: In your leading article of to-day upon iron-clad ships there occurs a mistake, which, though perhaps obvious to the initiated, should, I think, be corrected, so that full effect may be given to the otherwise accurate statements made respecting the broadside rifled gun used in the French navy. This gun throws a solid shot of 30 kilogrammes, not 30 pounds weight, and may, therefore, be termed a 60-pounder.