Mr. Clay to Mr. Seward
Sir: In obedience to your directions I read to Prince Gortchacow your despatch, and gave him your two printed reports in reference to the intercontinental telegraph. I also introduced to him Hiram Sibley and P. McD. Collins, esquires, and asked an audience for the same gentlemen of his Majesty the Emperor. And on yesterday, at the palace of Tzarshoe Leto, his Imperial Majesty received them with especial courtesy, and promised them his cordial co-operation in this great enterprise.
All the persons who are connected with this line, in the administration, have been consulted, and seemed well disposed to give our countrymen all the aid in their power towards the perfection of the charter, the rectification of the route, and all other facilities in its structure.
As our American friends are very anxious to have a branch of their continental line running into the populous and wealthy country of China, I shall ask of this government at once to aid us, through their minister in China, to procure a charter there. Should this course meet your views, you can interest our minister, the Hon. A. Burlingame, to co-operate with the Russian authorities in this matter.
The Russian Pur Company seem friendly and anxious to co-operate with our friends in carrying on their work, and seem to have also all confidence in their success.* * * * * * * *
I am truly your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.