The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1863-07-23
LETTER or THE KING OF SIAM TO
ADMIRAL EOOTE.
p,. OpInion of the Shareholders
uebeilion and slavery.
WASHINGTON, July s, 1865
Correspondence OF the n. Y. Tribune.l

WAsu1NoToN, July s, 1868.
II is well known that Admiral Foote I
was in the habit of receiving letters from
the second King OF Siam, with whom he
became acquainted when in command OF
our feet in the Kings waters. The let
tiers are autograph, aud evlnce much IN
telligeuce, especially with regard to our
affairs This is apparent IN the letter
which we are able to present today. |
Considering it's date, We may be surprised
at the clear appreciation which it shows
of the relations of slavery to the war,
The King does not hesitate to speak OF
the forces of the enemy as rebel forces,
and he earnestly wishes success to the
United States Government, and the com
plete suppression of the reckless rebel
lion" Then again. mark how clearly he
sees the fatal consequences of failure to
deal with slavery. 'lf slavery" he says,
remains unimpaired, you will be expos
ed to the perpIex ing difficulties of the
past" He then declares himself for the
complete anuihlation of slavery.
1t is interesting to read such generous
words of sympathy from foreign SOW
ereign. No such words have come from
England or France but then they are
cIvTtiz6d,
This letter had been submitted by Ad-
mirai Foote to the President and his Cab
met, all of whom read il with much sat
isfaction but he hesitated to communi-
cate it TO the public. Only few days
before leaving Washington, on his way
10 his honorable command at Charleston,
he gave copy Of it to Senator Sumner,
with authority to use it as he should think
proper Now that the excellent a dmirat
has been removed By death, it has seem
ed that the letter ought to be generally
known on lis account, us well as from it,
intrinsic value, and the Senator has con-
sented to its publication.
PALACE OF THE SECOND KING, ,
BANGKOK. Siam, May -, 1863
Commodore A Ii. Foo,e, Flag Officer
Of the Mississippi Gunboat Fleet.
DEAR SIR: | look with interest 70,
American intelligence. | see by the pa
pers that you are honored with an impor
tant and critical post. Recent intelii
gence announces your brilliant successe,
on the Tennessee, Cumberland aud Mis-
s,ssippi Rivers, ip the taking of Forts
Henry. Donelson, and the town OF Col
umbus--the strong positions OF the rebe
forces. we earnestly wish success to th
United States Government, and the com
plete suppression of the reckless rebel
lion and at the same time | deeply re
CIet that any of the Southern States have
placed themselves in position whore the
maintenance of the United States Gov
eminent must be attended with such sac
consequences to them The alternate
successes and disasters indicate that The
struggle must be bloody, and we some
times fear protracted one. We wisf
aud expect your triumphant success vel
we confess that the intelligence received
sometimes suggests the possibility that
the United States may become two Re.
publics, which TO US is an exceedingly re
puisve prospect.
Should the United States Government
be successful in the present contest anc
slavery unimpaired, you will again be ex
posed 10 all the perpexing difficulties 0
the past. The complete aunihilaion o
slavery will alone put an end to the dis
turb:ng elements which have fomente
the present rupture, which unehecke
must Initiate still more fatal ones In tn
future.
have learned with pain that you hav
received two wounds in your recent en-
gagemenls and am thankful that the
were SO slight as not to prevept you irol
vigorously prosecuting your all importar
work.
/ think of you much while you al
contending with stubborn foe, aud wis
for you aud your glorious country sue
trumlhs and such successes as will brin
back every State to its allegiance, an
place the peace and prosperity of th
whole aud unimpa,red Union upon las
Ing basis. wish, too, the uniyersa
prevalence o! the humane principles G
your celebrated Declaration Of lndepe nd
euce-equal freedom to all in the pul
suits Of HE. liberty and happiness.
Tor months past my health has bee
frail, bat is now improving My palac,
too, has been undergoing repairs, but
nearly completed Write when you Cal
Kind regards to all the members of 20,
family. Yours, truly,
Seal. 5. p. pAwARESDuENsEsE.
Second King of Sam, DC.