the Netherlands, or the Republic of the Swiss Confederation. In that message my predecessor stated that he wished to present to the Senate the precise questions following, namely: "Will the Senate approve a treaty referring to either of the sovereign powers above named the dispute now existing between the governments of the United States and Great Britain concerning the boundary line between Vancouver's Island and the American continent? In case the referee shall find himself unable to decide where the line is by the description of it in the treaty of June 15, 1846, shall he be authorized to establish a line according to the treaty as nearly as possible? Which of the three powers named by Great Britain as an arbiter shall be chosen by the United States?" I find no reason to disapprove of the course of my predecessor in this important matter; but, on the contrary, I not only shall receive the advice of the Senate thereon cheerfully, but I respectfully ask the Senate for their advice on the three questions before recited WASHINGTON, March 16, 1861. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. TO SECRETARY SEWARD. EXECUTIVE MANSION, March 18, 1861. HON. SECRETARY OF STATE. MY DEAR SIR:-I believe it is a necessity with us to make the appointments I mentioned last night— that is, Charles F. Adams to England, William L. Dayton to France, George P. Marsh to Sardinia, and Anson Burlingame to Austria. These gentlemen all have my highest esteem, but no one of them is originally suggested by me except Mr. Dayton. Mr. Adams I take because you suggested him, coupled with his eminent fitness for the place. Mr. Marsh and Mr. Burlingame I take because of the intense pressure of their respective States, and their fitness also. The objection to this card is that locally they are so huddled up-three being in New England and two from a single State. I have considered this, and will not shrink from the responsibility. This, being done, leaves but five full missions undisposed of-Rome, China, Brazil, Peru, and Chili. And then what about Carl Schurz; or, in other words, what about our German friends? Shall we put the card through, and arrange the rest afterward? What say you? TO MASTER GEO. EVANS PATTEN. WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:-I did see and talk with Master Geo. Evans Patten last May at Springfield, Ill. Respectfully, A. LINCOLN. Written because of a denial that any interview with young Patten, then a schoolboy, had ever taken place. |