Mr. Pruyn to Mr. Seward
Sir: As stated in my despatch No. 73, of the 11th ultimo, to which I beg to call your special attention, I am still without later dates from you than the 10th July.
Through the courtesy, however, of the French and British ministers, I have been furnished with a copy of your despatch to me of the 1st September, and also of your despatch of the 12th September, acknowledging receipt of my telegram of the 24th July, relating to the firing upon the Pembroke in the straits of Simonoseki. As the contents of both despatches are known at the British and French legations, I am now preparing to act under the instructions contained in your despatch of the 1st September, without waiting for the original.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.