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

Mr. King to Mr. Seward.

No. 74.]

Legation of the United States, Rome , December 24, 1866.

Sir: I received on Saturday, 22d instant, a telegraphic despatch, of which the following is a translation:

Alexandria, December 22.

American Minister, Rome:

I delivered Surratt on board the United States corvette Swatara 21st instant, without any difficulty.

HALE, Consul.

Ere this, I presume, the Swatara is well on her way to Malta, with Surratt on board. The United States corvette Canandaigua, Lieutenant Commander McCrea, arrived at Civita vecchia on the 20th instant, and leaves again for Malta to-morrow. It is the impression of her officers that she will be ordered to take Surratt to the United States.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,

RUFUS KING.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.