Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your No. 172, together with various circulars recently issued relating to the public service, to which proper attention will be given.
There is no necessity for communicating with his Majesty’s government in regard to the squadron under command of Rear-Admiral Goldsborough, as no concession of belligerent rights was ever made by Portugal, and no restriction of any kind was ever imposed upon our ships-of-war, during the existence of the civil strife now happily terminated. That squadron will be cordially welcomed here by the public authorities, whenever and under whatever circumstances it may appear.
I avail myself of this occasion to offer my sincerest felicitations upon your return to the department, and to express the hope that you may be spared, not only to consummate the great work of pacification, but to enjoy long and well the fruits of that noblest of victories.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.