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

Mr. Seward to Mr. Van Valkenburgh.

No. 72.]

Department op State, Washington, September 7, 1868.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of the 22d of July, No. 75, which informs me that the Italian and Prussian representatives have carried out the intention on their part for opening the port of Neegata.

I have treated sufficiently on this subject in my No. 44. I concur entirely in the view you take in regard to the proposal of the foreign ministers to make Osaka a port of entry, and to open Yedo as a city only.

The discussion of that subject may well be postponed to a future and more favorable time.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

R. B. Van Vankenburgh, Esq., &c., &c., &c.