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

Mr. Seward to Mr. Perry

No. 79.]

Department of State, Washington, March 23, 1865.

Sir: Your despatch of the 20th of February, No. 168, has been received, and also your despatch of the 25th of the same month, No. 169. In my No. 74 I gave you the determination by which this government would abide in the case of the pirate Stonewall, at least until a change should come over the situation of the vessel.

It is now, therefore, only necessary to say that all your proceedings, as subsequently reported, are fully approved and heartily commended. Our naval force in European waters will soon be increased; but I cannot learn that this is likely to take place early enough for a contingency in the case of the Stonewall.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Horatio J. Perry, Esq., &c., &c., Madrid.