Mr. Morris to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The United States corvette Ticonderoga sailed from this port on the 18th instant, after a stay of eleven days. On the 17th instant I had the honor of presenting Commodore Steedman and his officers to the Sultan. His Majesty received them with a few cordial words of welcome; expressed his gratification at the visit of courtesy made by the Ticonderoga to his capital; rejoiced that the late devestating war in the United States had terminated in the preservation of the integrity of the Union; and, in conclusion, said that he should always be happy to reciprocate the good will and friendly sentiments which the United States had ever manifested to Turkey.
During the sojourn of the Ticonderoga in the Bosphorus I presented Commodore Steedman to all the members of the diplomatic corps, as well as to the grand vizier, the minister of foreign affairs, and other members of the cabinet. They all visited the commodore on board his vessel and received, on leaving, the salutes due to their respective ranks.
Before his departure, I dined with the commodore at the British ambassador’s and the Russian minister’s. On the 15th instant a grand banquet was given in honor of the visit of the Ticonderoga, by the Captain Pacha, on board the line-of battle ship Mahmondieh, which, on this occasion, was decorated with the American and Ottoman colors. During the dinner, which was of the most sumptuous character, the national airs of “Hail Columbia” and “Yankee Doodle” were admirably played by a Turkish band. The Captain Pacha, in the course of the banquet, rose and greeted the commodore in terms of hearty feeling, and proposed the health of his Excellency the President, and the prosperity and happiness of the people of the United States. In response, I reciprocated to the Captain Pacha his friendly sentiments to the President and people of the United States, and proposed the health of his Majesty the Sultan, and the peace, progress, and prosperity of the Ottoman empire. The commodore briefly but appropriately returned thanks for the distinguished honor with which he had been received by the Turkish authorities, and proposed the health of his highness the Captain Pacha.
The visit of the Ticonderoga which has thus so happily terminated was a continued ovation from beginning to end; not a single untoward incident happened during her stay. Her commander and officers reflected credit on the gallant profession to which they belong by their gentlemanly bearing; and the conduct of the crew was so exemplary as to excite the commendatory notice of the police authorities.
I have dwelt at large on the particulars of this naval visit, as the Ticonderoga is the second United States man-of-war which has been admitted to Constantinople since the formation of the treaties excluding war vessels above the size of naval despatch boats from the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus. The moral and political effects of the visit cannot fail to be of the most salutary character; and it is the more remarkable as no vessel of her dimensions belonging to any European power is admitted to pass through the straits to Constantinople.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.