Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow
Sir: Your despatch of January 16, No. 243, has been received. It was accompanied by a copy of a correspondence which took place between you and [Page 522] Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, on the subject of certain decrees which have been made by the authorities now existing in the city of Mexico, concerning emigration and colonization in that country. We are not able to agree with the French government in the opinion which it has expressed, that the subject does not fall properly within the province of the Emperor of France. The President hopes, however, that the anticipated relief of the embarrassing situation in Mexico, which is the subject of another correspondence between the two powers, will facilitate a solution of the special matter which has arisen out of the before-mentioned decrees. You may make this expectation known to Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
John Bigelow, Esq., &c., &c., &c.