Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Your despatches Nos. 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 158, and 159 have been received.
No. 151, while acknowledging that France has faithfully practiced the neutrality she has proclaimed, again refers to the anxious desire felt for a withdrawal from the insurgents of the concession of belligerent rights, and despatch No. 154 indirectly refers to the same thing. I have already informed you to what extent this point has been pressed upon the attention of the French government, and scarcely suppose you desire me, under existing circumstances, to go further. Indeed, after what has been said here, I do not see how it is possible to do so at present. I shall await some encouraging intimation from Mr. Adams of a change of purpose in England, or something from Mr. Mercier, through you, before I shall venture upon the question again, unless, in the meantime, I am otherwise directed. I repeat that it is in vain to hope that France, so long as the entente cordiale between the two countries continues to exist, will in this matter separate her policy from that of England.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
His Excellency William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.