Mr. Seward to Mr.
Burlingame
No. 196.]
Department of State, Washington, April 5, 1867.
Sir: I enclose herewith a copy of a letter and
of its accompaniment, which on the 18th of March was addressed to this
department by the Hon. J. E. Stuart, in relation to the completion of
the enterprise of the East India Telegraph Company.
You are instructed that while committing this government to no preference
or favor over all other similar undertakings existing or to come, you
will use your good offices in promoting the object sought.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Anson Burlingame, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Stewart to Mr. Seward
House of Representatives,
Washington, D. C.
March 18, 1867.
Sir: I have received from officers of the
East India Telegraph Company, (an association incorporated under the
laws of the State of New York,) constituents of mine, a
communication herewith enclosed. I desire to call attention to the
points stated in the communication, to the nature of the interests
involved, the vast consequences to American commerce, the gain to
civilization insured by the success of the enterprise, and, briefly,
on behalf of my constituents, to request such action on the part of
the government of the United States, especially through your
department, as may be consistent with existing treaties, and in
accordance with our established policy as a nation, for the
furtherance of the object in view.
Permit me to say that the question submitted seems to me worthy of
the most prompt and cordial consideration.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. E. STEWART, Member of Congress, 6th
District, New York.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
