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

Mr. Seward to Mr. Webb.

No. 228.]

Department of State, Washington, March 30, 1868.

Sir: I herewith inclose to you a copy of a communication addressed to this department by James A. Scrymser, projector and director of the International Ocean Telegraph Company, desiring to obtain aid and authority from the Brazilian government to extend the lines of his company over the West India Islands to a convenient point on the coast of Brazil.

You are instructed to give such assistance as may be in your power towards effecting the accomplishment of the object in view.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

James Watson Webb, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

Mr. Scrymser to Mr. Seward.

Office of the International Ocean Telegraph Company, No. 88 Liberty Street, New York, March. 14, 1868.

Sir: As projector and director of the International Ocean Telegraph Company, I am desirous of obtaining from the government of Brazil the necessary privileges as will allow the extension of the lines, via Cuba, connecting with the company I represent, to land on a convenient point on the coast of Brazil.

And I would be much pleased if Mr. Seward would authorize our minister in Brazil to present the application forwarded by the steamer of the 22d instant, and to instruct him to give such assistance as may be in his power towards effecting the accomplishment of the enterprise in view.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. A. SCRYMSER.

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