Mr Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of January 15, No. 400. We learn from it the determination of the French government to permit the Rappahannock to be completed and prepared for sea, though not armed, at Calais.
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Yesterday information was laid before me of a design of an adventurous party, now beyond our jurisdiction, to obtain letters of marque from the republican government of Mexico to harass the commerce of France. This government is constantly called upon to give leave for the conveyance of arms into Mexico for the use of the Mexican authorities in the war with France. It stands firmly and [Page 746] faithfully upon its neutrality, but in doing this it wounds popular sympathies which no human power could repress. The Emperor’s government has had abundant occasion to observe that the Executive of the United States has practiced prudence and forbearance in their relations with the maritime powers which were not expected from a government being so popular in its form as ours, because it seemed impossible. Is it not inexpedient for the government of France to continue indulgence towards our enemies such as we wholly refused to her enemies? The President thinks that you should invite Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys to bestow serious consideration upon the subject.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton, Esq., &c.