Mr. Ford to Mr. Seward
Sir: Referring to the note that was addressed to you by the late Sir Frederick Bruce on the 22d of December, 1865, to your reply dated the [Page 424] 29th of that month, and to the late Sir Frederick Brace’s note of July 13, 1866, I have the honor to inform you that I have received the instructions of my government to endeavor to obtain an answer to the proposal made by the government of Great Britain to that of the United States with regard to a mutual arrangement to be entered into between the respective governments for providing for the relief of destitute seamen of the two nations.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.