Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward.
Sir: On Friday last I submitted to Mr. Rouher, minister of foreign affairs ad interim, your despatch No. 180, with the accompanying translation of the letter to you from Mr. Herran, minister from the republic of New Grenada. Having stated to him the general contents of these papers, I told him I would leave the same to be read, and would be happy to have, at the convenience of the French government, a written reply. He said that in the absence of Mr. Thouvenel, it would not be possible to give a definite answer, but the subject-matter should have attention immediately upon his return. It is expected, I believe, that he will return this week.
I am, sir, your very obedient servant,
His excellency William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.