Sir F. Bruce to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to announce to you my arrival at Washington, charged with a letter from her Britannic Majesty, accrediting me to the President of the United States as her Majesty’s envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary.
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And I shall feel much obliged if you will take the orders of the President with reference to granting me an audience, at which I may have the honor of delivering to him the royal letter in original.
I trust, sir, that your late accident, which I sincerely regret, may not deprive me for any lengthened period of the satisfaction of entering into personal communication with yourself.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.