Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow
Sir: I acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 19th of October, No. 377, which relates to a claim of a citizen of the United States against the French government, arising out of the seizure of powder on board the schooner William L. Richardson, Captain Goodwin, in the gulf of California.
You inform me that the French government proposes to postpone the final consideration of this claim until the organization of a mixed claims commission, to be agreed upon by the two governments, shall be effected.
The deference justly due to Congress has, until this time, induced the President to refrain from formally negotiating conditions of this sort for the settlement of claims against the United States, as well as in their favor, resulting from or connected with our recent civil war and the disturbed condition of affairs in Mexico.
Not sufficient time had elapsed after the close of that war, and before the last adjournment of Congress, to enable them to declare the national will in regard to the form in which the great mass of claims, before referred to, should be heard and adjudicated. Their attentior to the subject will be invited at the approaching session.
[Page 364]In the mean time the Marquis de Moustier’s suggestion of delay, in view of such action of this government in regard to the claim first mentioned, seems to be fair and reasonable.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
John Bigelow, Esq., &c., &c., &c.