Mr. Hay to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I have entered upon the duties of my office as acting chargé d’affaires of the United States in Vienna.
I was yesterday presented by Mr. Lippitt to Baron Von Meysenbug, who has charge of the department of foreign affairs during the absence of Baron Von Beust from the city. He received me very cordially. In the course of our conversation he expressed his gratification at the numerous utterances of sympathy and regret to which the death of the unfortunate Archduke Maximilian had given rise in America.
I am, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.