William H. Seward to Henry S. Sanford, January 20, 1865

Mr. Seward to Mr. Sanford

Sir: I have received a despatch from Mr. Crawford, United States consul at Antwerp, communicating a congratulatory address to the President from the “Free Speech Society,” on the occasion of his late re-election. The interesting paper has been submitted to the President, who desires that you will make an acknowledgment of its receipt. In doing so you will state that so far as the sentiments expressed by the society are personal, they are accepted by the President with a sincere and anxious desire that he may be able to prove himself not unworthy of the confidence which has been recently extended to him by his fellow-citizens, and by so many of the friends of humanity and progress throughout the world.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,