Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow
Sir: Delays of mails and interruptions in my labors have prevented an earlier acknowledgment of your despatch of January 13, No. 3.
It gives me pleasure to approve and confirm all you said to Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys on the occasion of presenting your credentials. I like well, also, the tone and the general tenor of the conversation on his part, as you have reported it to me. I have only one reservation on that subject to make. It seems to me that a time has come when France at least, of all the European powers, should be able to renew her ancient faith in the stability of the united American republic. You have a pleasant and important duty to perform in leading France to that conclusion, which would be hardly less beneficial to her than to the United States.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
John Bigelow, Esq., &c., &c., &c.