Mr. Clay to Mr. Seward
Sir: Your despatches, Nos. 85, 86, and circular No. 1107, have been received; also, your reports upon the international telegraph. I think that you do not at all overrate the importance of this great work. I have always been of the [Page 298] opinion that till great improvements are made in the science of telegraphing the telegraphs westward from Europe to our continent will be for all practicable purposes failures. The importance, therefore, of the Asiatic route cannot be overestimated, and its practicability is beyond all doubt. You do right in giving P. M. D. Collins due credit for the projection of the enterprise, which has been so intelligently seconded by the State Department. It will give me great pleasure to perform the agreeable duty enjoined in your No. 85, and as soon as his Imperial Majesty and Prince Gortchacow return, and Messrs. Collins and Sibley arrive, I shall attend to your instructions.
I am, very truly, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.