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

Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward

No. 241.]

Legation of the United States, Brussels, February 20, 1865.

Sir: I have had the honor to receive your despatch No. 159, and, in accordance with its instructions, have addressed a letter to the Free Speech Society, in reply to its congratulatory letter to the President upon his re-election, of which I enclose a copy herewith.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

H. S. SANFORD.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.

[Untitled]

Legation of the United States, Brussels, February 15, 1865.

Gentlemen: Your congratulatory address of the 26th November to the President on the occasion of his late re-election, and forwarded through the United States consul at Antwerp, has been submitted to him.

I am desired by the President to acknowledge its receipt, and to say to you that, in so far as the sentiments expressed by the society are personal, they are accepted by him with a sincere and anxious desire that he may be able to prove himself not unworthy of the confidence which has recently been extended to him by his fellow-citizens and by so many of the friends of humanity and progress throughout the world.

I have the honor to be, gentlemen, your obedient servant,

H. S. SANFORD.

To the Members of the Free Word Society, Antwerp.