Reverdy Johnson to William H. Seward, November 7, 1868

Mr. Johnson to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have more pleasure in saying to you that I have good reasons for believing that there will be no such delay in the execution of the convention relative to the Alabama claims as I anticipated in my confidential dispatch No. 44, of the 4th instant. I think at present that a convention on the subject will be signed in the course of the coming week, and hope to be able to send it to you by the bag of Wednesday or Saturday next. If a satisfactory arrangement is thus made of this perplexing and for a time rather dangerous controversy, there will then be nothing remaining to prevent the return of perfect friendly relations between the two countries, and that such a result will be satisfactory to the people of both, and inure greatly to their joint advantage, I can have no doubt.

I have the honor to remain, with high regard, your obedient servant,