Office of the Historian
[Translation.]

Mr. de Stoeckl to Mr. Seward

Legation of Russia in the United States, Washington, May 22, 1867.

Mr. Secretary: I have had the honor to receive the note which you were pleased to address to me this day, (20th instant,) asking if American vessels can go to Sitka immediately.

As the treaty has already been ratified by his Majesty the Emperor, I feel myself authorized to give the authorities of Sitka the instructions necessary to allow the vessels loaded with goods and provisions, which it is proposed to send from San Francisco, to be admitted, without delay, into the ports of the ceded territory. For that purpose I address the enclosed telegram to the consul of Russia in San Francisco, with an order to transmit it to the commander-in-chief of the colonies.

Please accept, Mr. Secretary, the assurance of my distinguished consideration.

STOECKL.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.

[Telegram.]

Mr. Stoeckl to Mr. Klinkowstroem

Washington, May 22, 1867.

The treaty for the cession to the United States of our northwest American possessions having been ratified by the Emperor, any American ship that may go there henceforward must be admitted, and any merchandise or provisions must be allowed to be landed free. Forward this telegram to the chief commander at Sitka by the first opportunity.

STOECKL, Russian Minister.

Martin Klinkowstroem, Russian Consul at San Francisco.