Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. Seward to Mr. Clay

No. 108.]

Department of State, Washington, December 13, 1864.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 14th ultimo, No. 62, giving an account of your proceedings in carrying out the suggestions contained in the instruction of the 24th of September last, No. 85, and proposing that Mr. Burlingame be instructed to co-operate with the Russian authorities in any efforts they may make towards securing permission for the extension of a branch of the Collins overland telegraph into China. These proceedings are approved, and the courtesy of the Emperor on the occasion of the presentation of Messrs. Collins and Sibley is highly appreciated.

I have lost no time in addressing an instruction to Mr. Burlingame in the spirit of your proposition.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Cassius M. Clay, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

P. S.—I enclose a press copy of my instruction to Mr. Burlingame of this date.