Lord Stanley to Mr. Seward
Sir: The melancholy intelligence which reached this country yesterday morning, of the death of Sir Frederick Bruce, her Majesty’s envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary, renders it necessary that I should acquaint you that until the arrival of his successor Mr. Ford, her Majesty’s secretary of legation at Washington, will be intrusted as chargé d’affaires with the direction of her Majesty’s mission in the United States; and in recommending him to your good offices, I beg that you will give entire credence to such communications as he may make to you on behalf of her Majesty’s government, and more especially when he shall assure you of their earnest desire to maintain the most friendly relations with the government and people of the United States.
I cannot omit, in writing to you on this subject, to acquaint you that the Queen and her Majesty’s government highly appreciate the friendly tone of the communication in which, on behalf of his government, Mr. Adams made known to me the death of her Majesty’s late minister, and the gratification which her Majesty’s government feel at such proof that the manner in which Sir Frederick Bruce, with the entire approbation of the Queen, discharged his duties as her Majesty’s minister at Washington, secured for him the respect and esteem of the President and government of the United States.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.