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

Mr. Seward to Mr. Van Valkenburgh.

No. 92.]

Department of State, Washington, November 12, 1868.

Sir: I have received your dispatch of the 18th of September, No. 97, in which paper you mention a renewed application for the delivery of the Stonewall to the Mikado’s government.

Your proceeding in retaining possession and control of that vessel is approved. We, nevertheless, anxiously await such a solution of the political complication in Japan as will enable this government to relieve you of that embarrassment.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

R. B. Van Valkenburgh, Esq., &c., &c., &c.