Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow
Sir: I have received and submitted to the President your despatches of the 4th of January, No. 234, and of the 5th of January, No. 236, also your confidential despatch of January 11, No. 240. These papers contain much valuable information, and some useful suggestions concerning the mode of adjusting the difficulties of French intervention in Mexico. You will accept the thanks of the government. The Emperor seems to have matured his project on the 9th day of January. The Marquis de Montholon submitted to me an elaborate communication from Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, which is supposed to have been prepared in execution of that project. My reply to Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys is now under consideration here. A copy of it will be sent to you for your information, at the same time that the paper itself is delivered to the Marquis de Montholon. The French government having transferred the discussion to this capital, you will be relieved of further direct action in the premises; but your advice and co-operation will be constantly desired, and when received will be highly valued.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
John Bigelow, Esq., &c., &c., &c.