Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. Seward to Mr. Pruyn.

No. 85]

Department of State, Washington, December 6, 1864.

Sir: Herewith I enclose for your information an executive order relative to the war steamer Fusiyama Solace, built in this country for the Japanese government

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Robert H. Pruyn, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

Executive Order.

Executive Mansion, Washington, December 3, 1864.

A war steamer called the Fusiyama Solace, having been built in this country for the Japanese government, and at the instance of that government, it is deemed to comport with the public interest, in view of the unsettled condition of the relations of the United States with that empire, that the steamer should not be allowed to proceed to Japan. If, however, the Secretary of the Navy should ascertain that the steamer is adapted to our service, he is authorized to purchase her, but the purchase money will be held in trust towards satisfying any valid claims which may be presented by the Japanese on account of the construction of the steamer, and the failure to deliver the same as above set forth.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.