Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The King and Queen received to-day the diplomatic corps on the occasion of the new year with the usual ceremonial, in presence of his ministers and household.
His Majesty on addressing me referred to the good relations existing between the two governments; said that he hoped they might continue, and that he offered on this occasion his wishes for the prosperity of my “great country.” He spoke with admiration of the spectacle we gave of rapid extinguishment of our debt after a great war, and of other evidences of financial prosperity, and added that the sentiment of Belgium was most friendly for the United States.
I offered to his Majesty the usual congratulation upon the new year, and my wishes for the prosperity of his reign and of the royal family, and assured him that evidence would not be wanting to show that the desire on our part to perpetuate those friendly sentiments was mutual.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.