Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The baptism of the royal prince (who is now heir apparent to the throne) was celebrated yesterday with great state and ceremony, and under the most favoring circumstances. All business was suspended, and the streets through which the royal cortège passed were tastefully decorated, while the presence of nine ships-of-war of the Italian navy in the Tagus, ornamented with the flags of all nations, made an effective pageant on the water. Our own sloop-of-war, the St. Louis, in compliance with my suggestion, united in the demonstration of respect and good feeling, and presented a fine appearance, which attracted general commendation.
In the afternoon the Italian Prince Carignan (cousin of King Victor Emanuel) and Prince Amédée, (second son of the King,) who had been sent here on a special mission of congratulation, received the diplomatic body, and expressed to me a most friendly interest in our affairs.
The day closed by a state dinner at the palace of the Ajuda, with one hundred and sixty covers, for the court, the diplomatic corps, the peers and deputies of the kingdom, and the municipal and other bodies. I took occasion to offer the President’s felicitations on the birth of the Prince, in anticipation of the formal and customary communication, which were kindly and becomingly answered by the King.
An account of the ceremonial from the official paper, with a translation, accompanies this despatch for the files of the department.
I have the honor to be sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.