Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Your despatches from No. 201 to No. 206, inclusive, have been received.
In reference to the subject-matter of one of these despatches, No. 203,I have heretofore written you a private and unofficial note. It will give me pleasure to cultivate friendly relations with the representatives of the governments of South America at this court, and to do what I can to smooth down any such feelings of distrust or suspicion as are referred to in your despatch No. 202. They cannot but know that the dangers they have heretofore incurred have originated rather in the fillibustering spirit of the south than in any ambitious purposes of the north. The success of the south in its present struggle would be sure to increase those dangers, while the success of the north will diminish them. It will scarcely be supposed, after what has passed, that we shall, in any event, be ambitious of adding much to our southern possessions. Your printed despatch No. 204 contains views and suggestions of which I may have occasion to avail myself hereafter.
Your despatch No. 205 refers to our treaty obligations with New Grenada. The views of this government on that question I have already given in my despatch No. 185, dated 29th of August last.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
His Excellency William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.
P. S.—I think I have not heretofore acknowledged, as I now do, the receipt of your printed circulars Nos. 18 and 21.