Mr. Seward to Mr. Dix
Sir: I have received Mr. Hoffman’s despatch of the 15th instant, No. 152.
You cannot have been more surprised by learning from the Parisian journals that this department has given you instructions concerning the affairs at Rome than the department was a day or two since by learning through the cable telegraph that you have pledged the United States to take a seat in the European conference proposed to be held for the adjustment of the Italian question. Such intervention would not accord with the settled principles or with the present policy of the United States.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
John A. Dix, Esq., &c., &c., &c.