Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow

No. 529.]

Department of State, Washington, September 29, 1866.

Sir: The President having accepted your resignation as United States minister to France, has appointed General John A. Dix, of New York, to be your successor. He has accepted the mission, and will depart for France on the 28th of the ensuing month.

It will be gratifying to the department should you find it convenient to continue in your ministerial capacity until relieved by your successor. I am led to make this request by the confidence in your ability and discretion which has been created by the satisfactory manner in which you have already discharged your official duties.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

John Bigelow, Esq., &c., &c., &c.