Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: I enclose you, by the present steamer, an English copy of the translation of the speech of M. Billault, “minister sans portefeuille,” on the French invasion of Mexico, delivered in the corps législatif on the 7th of February last. This speech has, doubtless, been translated and published in England at the instance of the French government. M. Billault is, as you know, one of the most eloquent debaters in France, and on the floor of the Chambers acts, in this matter of Mexico, as the mouthpiece of the government. The Moniteur, of this morning, says that a copy of this speech has been laid on the desk of each of the members of the British Parliament. Two copies have been furnished to me, one, at least, of which was, doubtless, intended for my government. You will draw your own inferences from this course of proceeding on the part of this government.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c.