Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part IV

Mr. Seward to Mr. Perry.

No. 16.]

Department of State, Washington, August 12, 1864.

Sir:Mr. Koerner’s despatch of July 18, No. 115, has been received.

I think it more desirable to confirm and establish friendly and harmonious relations with Spain at the present moment than to discuss irritating private claims on either side. Probably even just claims could never be urged under circumstances more unfavorable than the present. While, therefore, you will waive none of those with which you are charged, it is not expected that you will be especially urgent about those of Mr. E. and Mr. L., who have voluntarily withdrawn from the United States, and taken up their residence in San Domingo.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Horatio J. Perry, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Madrid.