256. ACQUIRING ALASKA FROM THE RUSSIANS! A superb association A.L. (unsigned), the first page only, possibly a retained copy of the letter from Secretary of State William Seward, 1p. 4to., Washington, Aug. 7, 1867, to Genl. Lovell Rousseau concerning acquiring of Alaska! In part: "...You will herewith receive the warrant of the President under the great Seal of the United States, appointing your commissioners on behalf of this Government to receive from a similar officer appointed our behalf of the Imperial Government of Russia, the territory ceded by that Government to the United States, pursuant to the treaty of the 20th of March, last...arrange...in regards to proceeding as soon as may be convenient to the territory referred to in order that your commission may be fulfilled. On arriving at Sitka, the principal town in the ceded territory, you will receive from the Russian Commissioner the formal transfer of that territory...". First page only, very good condition, and certainly worthy of further research.         $400 - 600