[Extract.]

Mr. Seys to Mr. Seward.

No. 33.]

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the legislature of Liberia met in this city, according to the constitution of the republic, on Monday, December 2, but immediately adjourned, in consequence of that day being the anniversary of the great battle and victory of 1822.

The day being celebrated with the usual ceremonies and appropriate oratories from the honorable secretary of state and I. H. Roberts, esq., could not fail to perpetuate a remembrance of the patriotism and bravery of the pioneers who laid the foundation of this Christian nation on these barbarous shores. Both houses of the national legislature met again on the 3d December, and have been for some days engaged in deciding the cases of several contested seats. So soon as this is accomplished, they will organize themselves in a joint convention, when the question in reference to the election of a President will constitutionally come before them.

I had the honor to inform the department, in my dispatch No. 16, that of the three candidates for the presidency no one had a majority of votes at the election held in May last, and that it would devolve on the legislature to elect one from those having the highest number of votes. It is generally and confidently believed that the Rev. J. S. Payne, of this city, will be elected.

It shall be my duty and pleasure to keep the department advised of any measures adopted at this session of the legislature affecting those interests of an international character with which the United States or other nations may be concerned.

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I have the honor to be, sir, with the highest respect, your most obedient servant,

JOHN SEYS,

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