William H. Seward to George Bancroft, February 13, 1868

Mr. Seward to Mr. Bancroft.

Sir: Your dispatch of the 23d of January, No. 33, has been received. I thank you for your attention manifested in informing me what has passed between the governments of Great Britain and Prussia concerning the question on the naturalization laws existing between the United States and those two governments respectively. I have informally suggested to the British minister here, that a proceeding in a form of mutual or common legislation in the two countries would be more simple and probably easier than formal negotiations, inasmuch as there are so many other questions which urgently require settlement between the United States and Great Britain, besides that of the conflicting naturalization laws. Perhaps it would be well for you to speak in the same sense to the British ambassador at Berlin.

I am sir, your obedient servant,