Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Fortieth Congress

Mr. Seward to Mr. Van Valkenburgh

No. 32½.]

Department of State, Washington, October 10, 1867.

Sir: Your despatch of the 21st of August last, No. 41, has been received.

No objection is perceived to the terms of your despatch of which you enclose a copy addressed to Mr. Stahel, our consul at Kanagawa.

The deed of the lot on the bluffs at Yokohama, reserved on behalf of the United States for hospital purposes, should, however, be a lease to Dr. Vedder, by the United States, reciting that he holds the possession as tenant at sufferance for the purpose of maintaining thereon a hospital, dispensary, or other establishment for the medical treatment and relief of seamen, and with the stipulation that, he pay ground rent, taxes, and assessments, and that he will surrender possession of the property on demand.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

F. W. SEWARD, Acting Secretary.

R. B. Van Valkenburgh, Esq., &c., &c., &c.