Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Fortieth Congress

Mr. Seward to Getterai Grant

Department of State, Washington, October 28, 1867.

Sir: In the absence of specific legislation by Congress for the organization of land districts in Alaska, claims of pre-emption and settlement are not only without sanction by law, but are in direct violation of laws applicable to the public domain. Military force may be used to remove intruders if necessary.

Will you have the goodness to instruct Major General Halleck to this effect by telegraph, and request him to communicate the instruction to Major General Rosseau, at Sitka? I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

General U. S. Grant, Secretary of War ad interim.