Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part II

Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton.

No. 405.]

Department of State, Washington, September 25, 1863.

Sir: Your despatch of the 11th instant, No. 344, has been received. In reply, I have to inform you that instructions have been given directly to Mr. Bigelow approving your suggestion, and giving him assurances of indemnity. You will lose no time in ascertaining all of the facts which Mr. Bigelow may be able to elicit, and communicating them to this department; and also in making such a representation upon the subject to the French government as those facts may warrant.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

William L. Dayton, Esq.