Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow

No. 545.]

Department of State, Washington, November 9, 1866.

Sir: I have been unable until this moment to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of October 12, No. 374.

The President is pleased with the iberal and friendly disposition which is manifested by the Marquis de Moustier in regard to our international questions.

Mr. Campbell proceeds to-morrow, with Lieutenant General Sherman, to Mexico, or its vicinity. I give you a copy of the instructions^* of this department to our new out-going minister to Mexico. It is not intended that they shall be formally or officially communicated to the French government; but, at the same time, we affect no secrecy on the occasion. You may, therefore, make such use of them as you find necessary or expedient in making known the policy of this government as affected by the anticipated retirement of the French military forces from that country.

I thank you for the information you have given me concerning domestic questions of interest in the French empire.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

John Bigelow, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

1. For enclosure see correspondence with Mexico.