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

Mr. Morris to Mr. Seward.

No. 148.]

Legation of the United States of America, Constantinople, March 9, 1866.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit enclosed a translation copy of the note of the minister of foreign affairs of the Sublime Porte, in reply to my despatch relative to the proclamation of President Johnson on the abolition of slavery in the United States.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. JOY MORRIS.

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

[Translation.]

Aali Pacha to Mr. Morris.

Sublime Porte, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, March 8, 1866.

Sir: I have had the honor to receive the note which you were pleased to address me, containing the proclamation of his excellency President Johnson, announcing the abolition of slavery throughout the entire territory of the United States of America.

In thanking you for this communication, I take great pleasure in tendering through you the most cordial congratulations of the Sublime Porte to the government and people of the United States on the adoption of such a grand social measure, and which reflects upon them infinite honor.

I beg you, sir, to accept the assurance of my perfect consideration.

AALI.

Mr. E. Joy Morris, Minister Resident of the United States of America.