Robert H. Pruyn to William H. Seward, February 13, 1865

Mr. Pruyn to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I have received a letter from the ministers for foreign affairs, in which they state that they had determined not to send the embassy to the treaty powers, as previously announced.

In my despatch, No. 57, of the 3d September last, I informed you that the embassy would not go further than Shanghai, the appointment having been made only for the purpose of gaining time, by inducing the hostile party to believe that the Tycoon had not abandoned the hope of obtaining from the treaty powers the concession of the closing of this port.

The letter of the ministers for foreign affairs is only of importance as another evidence of the increased strength of the government.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,