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

[Telegram per cable.]

Mr. Seward to Mr. Johnson

Department of State, Washington, October 24, 1868.

Insist on convention like 1853, without now naming arbiter. Convention must be submitted to Senate and the country. Objection would be raised to any arbiter who could be named in advance. When convention goes into effect, the two governments can instruct the commissioners to agree on arbiter.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Reverdy Johnson, Esq., &c., &c., &c.