Mr. King to Mr. Seward.

No. 77.]

Sir: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of despatch, No. 50, from the State Department, advising me that the commanding officer of the European squadron had been instructed to station one of his vessels at Civita Vecchia. As reported [Page 699] in. my despatch of December 17th, the United States ship Frolic arrived at Civita on the 13th ultimo, and still remains in port there.

The exigency which seemed to call imperatively for the presence of an American man-of-war in that harbor has, for the moment, passed away. Rome continues tranquil, and the prevalent belief is that no political movement or disturbance need be apprehended for some months to come. I shall be glad, however, if the public interests will admit of the Frolic’s remaining at Civita Vecchia for a while longer. Her presence there is highly acceptable to the Papal government, as well as very gratifying to the Americans in Rome.

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

RUFUS KING.

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