MORSE, Consul to William H. Seward, November 30, 1865

Mr. Morse to Mr. Seward.

Sir: One or two persons here, who appear to have full knowledge of some of the financial operations of the late rebels, say that from £50,000 to £60,000 of confederate government gold is now held in this city, by some person, house, or bank, and that the holders refuse to deliver it to any ex-confederate agent whatever, government or otherwise, invariably meeting all applicants for it with the reply: “You are not the proper person or party to receive it, and that it belongs to the United States, if they can find it.” If we cannot obtain it the English holders will keep it. Now, the proof of the existence of this money, and its whereabouts, is only known to certain persons, not heretofore, if now, Union men, and they will not furnish the proofs that will enable us to recover the money without a handsome percentage for themselves on the amount so recovered.

They feel so confident that they can furnish all the evidence necessary that I think I can make a safe and confidential verbal arrangement with them, that the suit, should one be necessary, shall be commenced by the United States, at their expense, and if they fail to furnish all the evidence necessary to success, they will pay the expenses of the suit, and get nothing. But if successful, we pay expenses and their commission. Though all we get will be clear gain, I do not consider myself authorized to enter into any arrangement for allowing commissions with[out] express authority from you—though I might think it right and expedient to enter into a conditional arrangement, subject to your approval, where the case will not admit of delay, I wish always to avoid assuming any authority, not clearly given me. Will you, therefore, do me the honor to inform me by return post, if I am or may be authorized to make the best arrangement I can for the government in this, and cases of a similar character, should any other occur.

Should you direct me to proceed with the case, and we should recover, I presume some one should be authorized to receive the money, pay charges, and deposit the balance to the credit of your department.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,