Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward
Sir: I transmit herewith from the Moniteur the report of another debate which took place in the House on the 4th and 5th instant, upon interpellations, by M. Delaet, a member of the opposition from Antwerp, touching the organization of the Belgo-Mexican corps of volunteers for the service of Mexico.
No new facts of special moment were elicited during a discussion marked by considerable bitterness and violence of language.
The following motion proposed by M. Coomans, of the opposition—” The House, regretting that the government has not remained completely aloof from the Belgo-Mexican expedition, passes to the order of the day”—was rejected by 27 to 44 votes. The motion of M. Bara, that “the House, in view of the explanations given by the government, persists in its decision of the 2d September, and passes to the order of the day,” was adopted; the portion of the liberal party opposed to the Mexican expedition being evidently unwilling to aid the opposition in weakening or overthrowing the ministry.
The most notable event in connexion with this debate is that it appears to have led to a duel between M. Delaet and the minister of war, in which the latter was slightly wounded.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.