Mr. Seward to Mr. Sullivan.

No. 6.]

Sir: A dispatch of the 14th of June has been received from Mr. Rice, in which he refers to the question of extraordinary taxation by the State of Panama, for purposes connected with the civil war in Colombia. The character of that war and the situation of the beligerents still remain very obscure, so far as information has reached this government.

I have, therefore, to refer you to my circular dispatch of the 13th of June, and to inform you that at present the views therein expressed have undergone no change.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Peter J. Sullivan, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

(Same to F. W. Rice, esq., United States Consul at Aspinwall.)