Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Baron Beaulieu, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Belgium at Frankfort, has been selected as chief of the extraordinary mission which is to be sent to Washington upon the occasion of the accession of Leopold II. While his reply to the notification of appointment has not yet been received, there seems to be no doubt entertained as to his acceptance.
Baron Beaulieu was formerly in the military service, and reached, if I am not mistaken, the grade of general; he was also for some years representative of this government at Washington. He has a high reputation for ability and scientific as well as scholarly attainments.
His suite will be composed of four or five secretaries and attachés, civil and military, and he is expected to leave at an early day.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.