William H. Seward to Edward de Stoeckl, March 3, 1868

Mr. Seward to Mr. Stoeckl

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 5–17th ultimo, in relation to the reservation by General Davis, commanding the United States military forces in Alaska, of a certain portion of the town of New Archangel for the use of this government, and suggesting on your part a purchase of the buildings thereon.

In reply I have the honor to state that, upon the information now in possession of this department, the property in question would appear to have vested in the United States under the treaty of March 30, 1867.

If, however, the fact be otherwise, I find, upon consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, that there is not at present such occasion for the use of the buildings as to recommend the purchase of them by this government.

Accept, sir, a renewed assurance of my highest consideration.