Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Seward.
Sir: * * * * * * * It was last evening intimated to me informally, but very positively, by a high official, that the long-vexed question of military service in reference to naturalized American citizens, should be settled entirely to my satisfaction. Several weeks ago I was assured in my conversations at the Foreign Office that such was its desire, but it came to my knowledge that strong objections were interposed from other quarters; and I still postpone a formal report till I learn definitively that the difficulty thus interposed has been overcome.
It is certainly the wish of this government to maintain the most friendly [Page 41] relations with the United States, and public opinion is in accord with this policy.
* * * * * * * * *
I remain, sir. yours sincerely,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.