Mr. Seward to Mr. Clay
No. 58.]
Department of State,
Washington,
February 1, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 5th of January last, and to thank you, in the President’s name, for the generous sentiments which you have expressed in regard to his policy and his health.
The experiment of reconstruction is begun in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee under what seem to be favorable auspices. The legislature of Maryland has provided for taking the sense of the people of that State upon the question of emancipation.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM H. SEWARD.
Cassius M. Clay, Esq., &c., &c., &c.