Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of April 1, No. 445, and I thank you for the interesting information it contains concerning the political situation of France.
If Mr. Mercier expresses the opinions concerning our affairs which you mention in this paper, he may mislead his own government. It may be well for you, in an informal way, to let M. Drouyn de l’Huys understand that Mr. Mercier expresses the views, which were adopted by a reactionary party in this country eighteen months ago, which party now seems to have lost the ability to sensibly divide the votes of the American people. But on this point you will exercise your discretion.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton Esq.