Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward.
Sir: In the conference with Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys had yesterday, I communicated the general views expressed by you in despatches Nos. 395 and 400.
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I brought out your views, however, in the course of a general conversation about Mexican affairs. I asked of Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys what character of test was to be adopted, with a view to learn the wishes of that country (Mexico) as to its form of government. He said that the vote of the entire country, and of all its departments, whether the French were or were not in their possession, would be taken, and if upon its registries it should appear that a large majority of the whole population (Spanish and Indian) were favorable to a monarchical form of government, he supposed that would be sufficient. He thought there would be no difficulty in applying this test, and showing a large numerical majority in favor of the Archduke, and that form of government.
Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys went on to say, that the dangers of the government of the Archduke would come principally from the United States, and the sooner we showed ourselves satisfied, and manifested a willingness to enter into peaceful relations with that government, the sooner would France be ready to leave Mexico and the new government to take care of itself, which France would, in any event, do as soon as it with propriety could; but that it would not lead or tempt the Archduke into difficulty, and then desert him before his government was settled. He added, that France could not do that. He said, that the early acknowledgment of that government by the United States would tend to shorten, or perhaps, he said, to end all the troublesome complications of France in that country; that they would thereupon quit Mexico.
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I told him that, without having any authority from my government to say so, I should scarcely suppose that France, under the circumstances, would expect the United States to make haste to acknowledge a new monarchy in Mexico, but I would report his views to the government at home; not suggesting, however, that any answer would be given. In the course of conversation, he took occasion again to repeat, voluntarily, their disclaimer of any purpose to interfere with Texas, or to make or seek any permanent interest or control in Mexico. He said that our situation, as a next neighbor, entitled us to an influence there [Page 790] paramount to that of distant European countries, and that France, at her great distance from the scene, would not be guilty of the folly of desiring or attempting to interfere with us. He spoke highly of the conduct of Mr. Corwin, our minister in Mexico, who was reported to him as not having intrigued or interfered in these matters, but that he had always acted loyally and in good faith. Before leaving Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys, (assuming the purposes of the Emperor to be as he represented them,) I asked him why he permitted so many false reports, as to his policy, to be circulated both in Europe and America. I told him that it seemed to me the interests of both countries demanded that they should, cease, and that a frank avowal in the Moniteur would end them. He said there were objections to using the Moniteur for such purposes, but that there were his despatches, which might be published. I told him that the world was given to looking at despatches as savoring too much of diplomacy. He then said that the Emperor, at the opening of the “corps legislatif,” would have a proper opportunity, and he did not doubt that he would then declare his policy in Mexico, in conformity with the declarations heretofore constantly made to us.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.