Mr. Seward to Mr. Wood.
Sir:Your despatch of the 24th ultimo, No. 173, was duly received. As you are aware that this government still maintains diplomatic relations with the republican government of Mexico, I regret to learn from your despatch that you had thought it not improper to exchange visits with the envoy of the so-called Imperial government of that country to the courts of St. Petersburg, Stockholm, and Copenhagen, on the occasion of his recent visit to the latter place. The error on your part is quite excusable, because you were without instructions upon the subject. You will be expected, however, hereafter to bear in mind that you can know no government of any state but the one which is recognized by this department, and that only agents of governments which are acknowledged here can be treated by you as representatives of foreign powers.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Bradford R. Wood, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Copenhagen.