Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys informed me yesterday that the negotiation for a loan in behalf of Maximilian, as Emperor of Mexico, had been completed on favorable terms, and that he would sail for Mexico on Sunday next.
I regret to learn by the communication you enclosed to me that the power of Mexico is still further enfeebled by faction and division among themselves. There is nothing in the present condition of things there to justify a hope that the republicans of that country can successfully meet the French invading force, aided by factionists at home, and any action at present in that direction by the United States would be sure to embroil us with France. We cannot, under existing circumstances, afford a war with France for the Quixotic purpose of helping Mexico. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.