Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton.
Sir: Your despatch of April 22 (No. 142) has been received.
Mr. Thouvenel meets all the just expectations of the President in regard to the Mexican question, when he says that we may take the speech of Mr. Billault as an embodiment of the views and purposes of the French government. You will express to Mr. Thouvenel a just appreciation of the directness and frankness of his explanations, and at the same time renew the [Page 339] assurances of the desire of the United States that peaceful relations may soon be restored between France and Mexico upon a basis just to both parties and favorable to the independence and sovereignty of the people of Mexico, which is equally the interest of France and all other enlightened nations.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton, Esq., &c., &c., &c.