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

Mr. Seward to Mr. Morris

No. 99.]

Department of State, Washington, November 17, 1865.

Sir: Your despatch of October 18, No. 129, has been received. It brings information of the very interesting fact that certain ecclesiastical estates within the empire have been secularized. I think that you very rightly anticipate, as fruits of this reform, a considerable augmentation of the national industry, with a very convenient and desirable increase of the public revenues. If it shall seem to you to be discreet, you will tender the President’s congratulations to the Sultan upon that important event.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

E. Joy Morris, Esq., &c., &c., Constantinople.