Mr. Seward to Mr. Harvey.

No. 117.]

Sir:Your despatch of May 5, No. 225, has been received. The success of the internal improvement system which the Portuguese government has adopted is justly a subject of felicitation. I entertain no doubt that the complete development of it will greatly increase the strength and enhance the prosperity of Portugal. For a nation to be without iron roads in these times is to be in the world, but not of it.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

James E. Harvey, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Lisbon.