Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part IV

Mr. Seward to Mr. Harvey.

No. 139.]

Department of State, Washington , June 18, 1864.

Sir: Your despatch of May 19 (278) has been received. While I agree with you that the means already taken by the royal government to stimulate the production of cotton within the Portuguese dominions are not such as are likely to be entirely successful, I think the policy itself is one which commends itself to general favor. It is very much desired that the world may never again be forced to depend on African slavery, especially African slavery in America, for the necessary staple of commerce.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

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