Mr. Clay to Mr. Seward

No. 92.]

Sir: As some attempts are being made to deny the existence of the cattle plague in Russia, I quote (translate from the French) the following extracts from the Russian Gazette of Moscow: “They write from Carsoun (government of Simbinsk) that, ‘besides, a frightful plague desolated our poor fields; the epizôôty rages among the beasts; cattle perish by hundreds, and sheep by thousands. The malady which carries them off is entirely unknown; the beast becomes listless (triste;) the head inclines towards the earth; the eyes are disturbed, and in an hour all is over. Nothing is attempted to arrest the plague; the superstitious people regard that as a sin. The beautiful herds of cattle of Gorenki, of Posselki, of Stannitchnoe, and of other large villages, scarcely retain the tenth of their original number.’”

I trust the American people will not do, what the natives are doing here—nothing.

This description of the cattle plague does not answer to that of the one raging in England in all respects, but climate and other surroundings greatly change the symptoms and character of the same disease, as is well known; and notwithstanding the denials of the Russian authorities, who are much interested in the export of cattle, tallow, hides, and wool, I am still of the decided opinion that the disease was carried from the Baltic Russian ports to England.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

C. M. CLAY.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.