Mr. Seward to Mr. Sanford.

No. 140.]

Sir: I submitted to the Secretary of the Navy your despatch No. 200, marked confidential, in which you suggest the feasibility of enlisting foreigners in Belgium for our naval service. In returning the despatch to this department he states that β€œthe proposed measure is both inexpedient and unnecessary, as we are now receiving recruits in abundance.”

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Henry S. Sanford, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Brussels.