Mr. Moran to Mr. Seward
Sir: Owing to the rapid passage made by the China, I am enabled to acknowledge the reception to-day of despatches from the department, numbered 1870 and 1871, addressed to me by Mr. Hunter, Acting Secretary of State, and dated the 3d instant. Considerable discussion is going on in the newspapers here on the proposal to reopen the Alabama claims and the announcement that the government contemplates the appointment of a royal commission to inquire generally into the operation of the British neutrality laws. I transmit copies of the Times of to-day and the Standard of yesterday, with leading articles upon these questions. They show the tone of public opinion on these important subjects.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.