Mr. Johnson to Mr. Seward
Sir: I am unable as yet to report satisfactory progress in the matter of the claims convention. I had an interview at the foreign office with Lord Clarendon yesterday, by appointment, in regard to it. His lordship had not had time during the period of his short accession to office to make himself acquainted with the exact state of the negotiation. I found him, however, most desirous to bring it to a satisfactory conclusion; and I do not anticipate much difficulty in our accomplishing it. I explained to his lordship the terms of the convention signed by Lord Stanley and myself, and your objections to some of them, with the reasons upon which they were placed. As was the case with Lord Stanley, his lordship told me that he thought that from the character of the questions upon which the liability of this country for the Alabama claims rested, it was better that the arbitrator who should decide them, if the commissioners fail to agree, should be the head of some foreign friendly government. I believe, however, that if he shall not waive this view we may be able to devise a plan by which it can be gratified without conflicting with the objections you have in that particular to the present convention.
His lordship told me that he would at the earliest period examine the whole matter and appoint an early day for another meeting.
I have the honor to remain, with high regard, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Steward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.