Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. Seward to Mr. Harvey

No. 158.]

Department of State, Washington, December 5, 1864.

Sir: Herewith I enclose for your information a transcript of a letter of the 3d instant from the Secretary of the Navy, on. the subject of your despatch No. 296, which was submitted to him for perusal, and in which you suggest the expediency of a readier mode of communication between the ministers of the United States and our naval officers on foreign stations.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

James E. Harvey, Esq., &c., &c., Lisbon.

[Untitled]

Navy Department, December3, 1864.

Sir: I have the honor to return herewith despatch No. 296, from Mr. Harvey, United States minister at Lisbon, which you transmitted to me on the 29th ultimo, and commended to my attention the suggestion contained therein concerning the expediency of a readier mode of communication between the ministers of the United States and our naval officers on foreign stations.

It is in contemplation to establish at an early day a squadron in European waters, and place it in charge of an experienced officer, who will feel authorized to make such arrangements as may appear to him advisable and expedient regarding communication with our ministers within the limits of his command.

Very respectfully, &c.,

GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.