Mr. King to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 20, of November 18, in answer to mine of October 24, and am gratified to learn that the contents of the communication to which it refers were satisfactory to the government.
Since my last, of November 24, nothing has occurred at Rome calling for special mention. Political quiet continues to prevail throughout the papal dominions. The health of his Holiness, somewhat impaired by a cold during the past week, is now fully restored.
The intelligence of Mr. Dayton’s sudden death in Paris was received here by all who knew him with feelings of profound regret. The country loses in him an able, faithful and zealous public servant, and his family one whose place cannot be supplied.
The impression produced in Europe by the ever-memorable result of the recent presidential election, and the firm self-reliant unyielding attitude assumed by the American people in vindication of the national authority and honor and in defence of the national life, continues to strengthen and extend. It is the ardent hope of all loyal Americans abroad, and of the millions in Europe who sympathize with them, that the progress of our arms may speedily complete the triumph of law, liberty and Union which the popular verdict of November 8 so gloriously inaugurated.
I avail myself of the occasion to tender to our honored President and his faithful cabinet ministers the good wishes and congratulations appropriate to this festive season.
I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.