Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow
Sir: Some observers who possibly are suspicious, but who certainly are known to be shrewd, infer from the tone of the ministerial press, and of that portion of the other press in Italy which more demonstratively sympathizes with the French government, that a project is on foot which contemplates an addition [Page 408] from Italy to the French army now engaged in Mexico, and with a view to hostilities against the United States. It is not believed here that either the Italian or French government entertains such a design. Nevertheless, existing circumstances render it important to the United States to know what measure of truth there is in statements of this character, and certainly it is only dealing justly and properly with the powers concerned, to bring the statements to their knowledge with a view to any explanations they may be prepared to give. I have, therefore, by the President’s, direction, taken measures to communicate with the government of Italy in an unofficial way, and will thank you to bring the same subject to the notice of Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys in a friendly manner.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
John Bigelow, Esq., &c., &c., &c.