Mr. Schofield to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 5th instant, inclosing translation of a note from the Russian minister relative to the transfer of the public property in the late Russian possessions in North America to the United States, and to state that this department will he pleased to aid you in giving the assurance desired by the minister as to the satisfactory manner in which the transfer was effected; and for that purpose the communication has been referred to the commanding general of the military division of the Pacific for more definite information upon the subject than is now in possession of the department—it being proper to state that the reports heretofore received indicate that the transfer was completed to the general satisfaction of the United States officers concerned.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
The Honorable the Secretary of State.