Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward.
Sir: An absence for the last few days, on a visit to my family in Switzerland, has interrupted our correspondence. In the meantime (with the exception of 186) your despatches from No. 184 to No. 198, both inclusive, have been received at the legation.
No. 185 contains a copy of your despatch to Mr. Adams in reference to a conference between him and Mr. —— on the subject of cotton, intervention, &c. No. 194 likewise contains the copy of a most interesting despatch to Mr. Adams, under date of the 2d inst., with certain correspondence between General Butler and Hon. R. Johnson, and the copy of a note from General Halleck.
I am happy to have received the copy of this despatch to Mr. Adams, pointing out in advance such course of conduct as would be agreeable to the government at home in certain contingencies therein referred to. I take it for granted that the rule of conduct prescribed for Mr. Adams will, under like circumstances, apply to myself. I have no reason at present to suppose that there will be occasion for its immediate application, but am happy to be possessed of proper information to meet contingencies.
I had hoped to see Mr. Thouvenel to-day in reference to the despatch about Guatemala, but was notified this morning that the conference with the diplomatic corps would be postponed until to-morrow. That matter will therefore have to go over to the mail by the steamer of next week.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
His Excellency William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.