Mr. Seward to Mr. Sanford.
Sir: I have your note of the 15th of October, giving an account of a conversation with the French minister for foreign affairs.
I am sorry to perceive in his remarks no evidence of a consideration that indifference to the struggle going on between this government and the insurgents is infidelity towards the United States. Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys seems to suppose that this country will ultimately recognize as friendly towards itself even the concessions which are made to the insurgents, because the insurgents, not less than the loyal men, are citizens of the United States. He falls into the error of our northern apologists of the insurrection—that is, of supposing that when the Union is restored the south will regain and wield their former political influence. On the contrary, it is clearly enough to be perceived now that the division between north and south will disappear in this war, and that the loyalty of the whole country will be homogeneous in the sentiments which are now maintained by the government. I cannot but desire that France may, at the end of the struggle, hold in relation to the United States the position she held when the war began. Perhaps you may have another opportunity to follow up the conversation.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Henry S. Sanford, Esq., &c., Brussels.