Mr. Seward to Mr. Pike

No. 243.]

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 25th of May, No. 167, which is accompanied by a copy of an official note addressed to you by the government of the Netherlands, announcing the withdrawal of belligerent rights accorded by it to the insurgents in 1861. The conclusion of the Dutch government is what might have been expected, such a result having been anticipated by the government of the United States.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

James S. Pike, Esq., &c.,&c.,&c.