As Napoleon in 1803 preferred to see Louisiana in the hands of the United States rather than in those of his rival England, so Russia preferred Alaska to fall to the United States rather than to Canada, especially as she could by peaceful cession obtain money into the bargain.
Seward was delighted with the opportunity, but diplomatically concealed his satisfaction and bargained closely.

Stoeckl asked ten million dollars; Seward offered five.

Stoeckl proposed to split the difference; Seward agreed, if Stoeckl would knock off the odd half million.

Stoeckl accepted, on condition that Seward add two hundred thousand as special compensation to the Russian American Company.

It was midnight of the 29th of March when $7,200,000 was made the price.