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

[Extract.]

Mr. Stilwell to Mr. Seward.

No. 23.]

Legation of the United States, Caracas, March 16, 1868.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of dispatches Nos. 7, 10, 11, and 12, of January 25, 27, and 28.

It affords me no ordinary pleasure to know that my remarks on presenting my letter of credence to his excellency the President of Venezuela has met with your approval.

I will submit to Joseph Hill the substance of your dispatch (No. 10) relative to the citizenship of his sons; and unless they furnish evidence of their intention to return to the United States to make it their permanent home, no further action will be taken in their behalf.

* * * * * * * *

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOMAS N. STILWELL.

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