Mr. F. W. Seward to Mr. Hale.

No. 72.]

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 1st of May, No. 88, in which you give an interesting account of the proceedings of a recent colonial council held at Madrid, which had for its object the discussion of the subject of slavery in the Spanish islands near the United States.

It is hoped that this discussion will result in removing slavery from those islands, which is the only place in this hemisphere where it now remains sustained by government. Your despatches Nos. 89, 90, and 91 have also been received.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

F. W. SEWARD, Acting Secretary,

John P. Hale, Esq., &c., &c., &c.