Mr. King to Mr. Seward.
Sir: In the New York (semi-weekly) Times, of January 25, received this day, I observe the following item of intelligence among the proceedings of Congress:
Protestant church at Rome.βOn motion of Mr. Dodge, the President was requested to communicate information in reference to the removal of the Protestant church meeting at the American embassy in Rome.
Other papers of the same date contain statements to the effect that the American chapel had been removed, by direction of the Papal authorities, outside the walls of Rome; and that the American minister, assenting to the arrangement, had hired a villa, where the services were henceforth to be held. I beg to say that there is no truth in either statement. The American Protestant church in Rome remains where it was located at the commencement of the season, and will not, I think, be interfered with, for the present, at any rate.
As the matter seems to have excited much interest in the United States, I will endeavor, by next mail, to prepare and transmit a full history of the case, for the information of the department and the satisfaction of the people.
I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.