Mr. Seward to Mr. Ford
My dear Mr. Ford: I have read with profound sensibility a copy which you have placed in my hands of Lord Stanley’s instructions to you on the occasion of the death of the lamented Sir Frederick Bruce, and I have lost no time in laying the paper before the President. The President will expect a visit from you in connection with the painful subject of the despatch on Tuesday next at half past eleven o’clock.
In compliance with your very proper request, I will transmit the other copies of the despatch which you have furnished me to Governor Gilpin, to the honorable Mr. Sumner, to his excellency the governor of Massachusetts, and to his honor the mayor of Boston, with your request that the sentiments expressed by her Majesty’s government may be made known to the other distinguished persons in that city and to the physicians, clergy and others who did honor to the remains of our departed friend.
I remain, my dear sir, very faithfully yours,
Francis Clare Ford, Esq., &c., &c., &c.