Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward
Sir: The budget of foreign affairs was discussed in the house of representatives on the 25th and 26th instant, and was voted without exciting any discussion of moment. The appropriation for the mission to Mexico was duly voted; one of the “liberal” members, M. Goblet, intimating, in reply to remarks of M. Kerryn de Lettenhove in favor of the Mexican empire, that it was not then the occasion to discuss that subject; that they would vote the appropriation asked for, and reserve the expression of their opinion upon the character of the intervention in Mexico. To an inquiry by one of the members why a full mission was provided for to Mexico and not to the United States and Brazil, the minister of foreign affairs replied that they but returned the courtesy which had been made to them. As an envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary [Page 793] had been accredited to them by the emperor of Mexico, they proposed responding by the sending of one of the same grade to that country.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c.