Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward.
Sir: A formidable iron-clad squadron of her Britannic Majesty’s service, under the command of Rear-Admiral Dacres, is now lying in the Tagus, and attracts much notice. Its stay here will be determined by the turn of events in northern Europe.
It gives me pleasure to state, in view of an unpleasant occurrence last year, that the best feeling exists between the officers and seamen of that squadron and those of our own ship, the St. Louis; and that every mark of official and personal courtesy has been shown by the former, and responded to by the latter, to extinguish the recollection of an incident which, for no fault of the British admiral, occasioned much bad blood at the time.
As illustrative of this friendly disposition it may be mentioned that our consul called at the admiral’s ship a few days since to make that officer a personal visit of acquaintance, but not finding him left a card, without even going on board. The American flag was immediately hoisted and saluted with appropriate honors.
To myself personally every facility for examining these interesting ships has been extended, with such a cordiality and marked respect to the legation that I should be remiss in duty in not presenting the fact to the notice of the department. And in doing so I ought to add that the British minister here, Sir Arthur C. Magenis, has always manifested towards me a spirit of candor, kindness, and friendship, which, with our radical difference of political views, has impressed me in the manner which such high-minded conduct should do a proper man. Indeed I may say that every British official at Lisbon, without exception, has exhibited the same good will, and under circumstances which gave such tokens increased value in my estimation.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.