Mr. Heap to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Referring to my dispatch of the 23d instant, No. 14, I have to inform the department that, by yesterday’s steamer, the chargé d’affaires of France received instructions from his government to insist upon the acceptance by the Bey of the project of reform in the financial department, of which I gave an outline in that communication.
The Bey, still acting under the advice of the agent of England, having declined to give his assent to a plan which would reduce him to a state of complete vassalage and dependence, the French representative has formally suspended his official relations with this government.
Unless sustained by England, I apprehend that his Highness will have to yield or abdicate, which he has more than once threatened to do under analogous circumstances.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.