Mr. Hale to Mr. Seward

No. 49.]

Sir: Several untoward circumstances which have occurred—such as the rebellion, change of ministry, and the holding of the office of minister of state by a gentleman who occupied the place only ad interim—have caused me to postpone for some time presenting to the government of Spain the views suggested by you in your despatch No. 30, dated May 23, 1866. On the 16th instant, [Page 579] however, it being the day appointed by the minister for giving audience to foreign ministers, I took occasion to express to General Calonge the suggestions of the despatch. He made no reply at the time, but expressed a wish to have a copy left with him. Although there was nothing in the despatch relating to any other subject, and nothing which, so far as I could judge, would make it improper to be left with him, yet I declined; and, instead thereof, have given him a statement of my own, of the substance of what I said to him.

With much respect, your obedient servant,

JOHN P. HALE.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.