James E. Harvey to Wm. H. Seward, August 13, 1862

Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward.

Sir: Your “circular” despatch of the 14th of July, containing the copy of an important bill which the President had submitted to Congress, has been received and placed among the archives of this legation as a document expressing the views of the Executive upon a question of grave policy in connexion with the war.

The whole course of the President has been so frank, fair, and conciliatory, and so patriotically devoted to the great objects avowed in his inaugural address, that even those who may differ with him in regard to particular points of policy must see in this last proposition nothing more than a new effort in the same direction to terminate the strife which so unhappily disturbs the peace of the Union, and deranges its commerce and relations with other countries.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,