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

[Extract.]

Mr. Seward to Mr. Portman

No. 1.]

Department of State, Washington, August 31, 1865.

Sir: I have received your several despatches numbered and dated as follows: Nos. 29 and 30, June 1; No. 31, June 8; No. 32, June 9; No. 33 and No. 34, June 10.

The removal of the legation residence to Yedo is a gratifying circumstance, and it is hoped that the new building intended for the use of our minister there, which is now in course of preparation, may soon be completed.

The intelligence which you have communicated in your No. 32, relative to the Tycoon’s imposing demonstration for the suppression of the rebellion of Prince Choshu, is very interesting, and it is sincerely hoped that the movement will speedily result in a satisfactory solution of the difficulties which now beset the empire. * * * * * * *

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

A. L. C. Portman, Esq., &c., &c., Yedo.