Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 15 (of 20)Sumner, Charles
History
Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 15 (of 20)
Sumner, Charles
Slavery -- United States; Speeches, addresses, etc., American
March this important treaty was signed by Mr. Seward on the part of the
United States and by Mr. de Stoeckl on the part of Russia.
Few treaties have been conceived, initiated, prosecuted, and completed
in so simple a manner, without protocol or despatch. The whole
negotiation is seen in its result, unless we except two brief notes,
which constitute all that passed between the negotiators. These have
an interest general and special, and I conclude the history of this
transaction by reading them.
“DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, March 23, 1867.
“SIR,--With reference to the proposed convention between
our respective Governments for a cession by Russia of her
American territory to the United States, I have the honor to
acquaint you that I must insist upon that clause in the sixth
article of the draft which declares the cession to be free
and unincumbered by any reservations, privileges, franchises,
grants, or possessions by any associated companies, whether
corporate or incorporate, Russian or any other, &c., and must
regard it as an ultimatum. With the President’s approval,
however, I will add $200,000 to the consideration money on that
account.
“I avail myself of this occasion to offer to you a renewed
assurance of my most distinguished consideration.
“WILLIAM H. SEWARD.
“MR. EDWARD DE STOECKL, &c., &c., &c.”
[TRANSLATION.]
“WASHINGTON, March 17 [29], 1867.
“MR. SECRETARY OF STATE,--I have the honor to inform you,
that, by a telegram, dated 16th [28th] of this month, from St.
Petersburg, Prince Gortchakoff informs me that his Majesty the
Emperor of all the Russias gives his consent to the cession
of the Russian possessions on the American continent to the
United States, for the stipulated sum of $7,200,000 in gold,
and that his Majesty the Emperor invests me with full powers to
negotiate and sign the treaty.
“Please accept, Mr. Secretary of State, the assurance of my
very high consideration.
“STOECKL.
“TO HON. WILLIAM H. SEWARD,
“_Secretary of State of the United States_.”
THE TREATY.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account