[Extract.]

Mr. Stilwell to Mr. Seward.

No. 23.]

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

[Page 940]

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.