Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Fortieth Congress

[Translation.]

Mr. de Stoeckl to Mr. Seward

Washington, March 17-29, 1867.

Mr. Secretary of State: I have the honor to inform you that by a telegram dated 16-28 of this month from St. Petersburg, Prince Grortehacow informs me that his Majesty the Emperor of all Russias gives his consent to the cession of the Russian possessions on the American continent to the United States for the stipulated sum of seven millions two hundred thousand dollars in gold, and that his Majesty the Emperor invests me with full powers to negotiate and sign the treaty.

Please accept, Mr. Secretary of State, the assurance of my very high consideration.

STOECKL.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.