033.1140/134b: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
71. For the Secretary of State from Polk: Secretary of War informs me steamer George Washington sailed from New York January [Page 153] 1st and will arrive in Brest about 10th. The ship would have time to make a return trip to America with troops and be back in France about February 12th. Before the War Department makes any plans it of course desires to know the President’s pleasure. Will you please find out as soon as possible whether he will need the ship before February 12th, in which case the boat will be held in France to await his orders.