Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: Your despatch of March 20, No. 287, has been received. The communications which you have made to Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys, as therein mentioned, are approved.
With reference to his inquiries when the new Congress will come in, and when the present executive administration will go out, it may be proper for you, without directly recurring to them, to let him understand that no Congress and no administration are likely to come into this capital which shall be less strenuous than the present authorities in favor of the American Union, or less opposed to admitting foreign intervention in the affairs of the American people. It is true that this people, like every other, are moved [Page 724] by debates concerning the measures and policy of those who are conducting their affairs. But when any party betrays a want of devotion to the integrity or to the independence of the country, it loses the public confidence at once. Had this truth been understood in Europe at the first, much and deplorable suffering in both countries would have been averted.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton, Esq., &c., &c., &c.