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. 121.]

Department of State, Washington, January 24, 1865.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of your communication of the 2d ultimo to the Russian minister for foreign affairs, upon the subject of the Chinese telegraph in completion of Mr. Collins’s design of the intercontinental line. You will, by a perusal of my instruction of the 13th ultimo, (No. 108,) have confirmed your observation to Prince Gortchacow, that in your proceedings you but anticipated the wishes of this government.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Cassius M. Glay, Esq., &c., &c., &c.