William H. Seward to William L. Dayton, June 18, 1864

Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton

Sir: With reference to your despatch of the 13th of May, No. 463, inquiring whether the war steamer now being constructed in New York for the Japanese government would be completed in season to enable the embassy of that government to embark on their return voyage, I have now to enclose a copy of a letter from Thurlow Weed, esq., to whom your inquiry was referred, from which it will be seen that the vessel in question will, in all probability, be ready for sea on the 15th of August. I will thank you to ascertain the number of persons attached to the embassy with a view to their proper accommodation on the voyage, and also as to the date of their intended departure from this country.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,