Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward.
Sir: There have been such frequent references, in the English as well as the American journals, to conferences between Mr. Slidell and Mr. Thouvenel, that I began to think that there might be something important which I should know but did not. In a conversation, therefore, of some length, had with Mr. Thouvenel yesterday, I referred to the subject. I stated that he might have observed I had not for some time past referred to Mr. Slidell, or the efforts at this court of the emissaries of the south; that I had avoided it because, as I understood, they had no official relations with the French court. To this he assented. I then stated, generally, that if any propositions or suggestions had come or should come, from any source, affecting the interests of the United States, and which should be entertained or considered by the French government, I should be thankful to him if he would let me know what they were, that I might make such suggestions as might be necessary. I did this because I had seen it distinctly stated that certain suggestions or propositions as to the modification of slavery in the south had been made and recently renewed, and I felt that if such unofficial suggestions or propositions, which I could not strictly inquire about, were entertained by the government, we were in a worse position in this respect than if these emissaries had been duly accredited and received. Mr. Thouvenel, without giving a direct answer to my suggestions, immediately said that he had seen Mr. Slidell once, when he arrived in Paris, about which we knew everything; that afterwards, about the time that Mr. Mason last applied to Earl Russell, and for a like purpose, Mr. Slidell applied to him; that these were the only occasions upon which he had seen Mr. Slidell, and he much doubted if the latter felt greatly flattered by his reception. He said he was quite sure that Mr. Slidell was satisfied that his arguments had failed to convince him (Mr. Thouvenel) of the propriety of recognizing the south; that the argument of Mr. Slidell for recognition was precisely that which we had used for a withdrawal of a concession of belligerent rights— to wit, that it would “end the war;” that there might be some writing or negotiation afterwards, but that a recognition by France would substantially end the war! He added that he did not believe that Mr. Slidell had ever written to his government all that he (Mr. Thouvenel) said to him on the subject. He furthermore said that Mr. De Leon, ex-consul, &c., (author of a southern pamphlet published here,) and whom he seemed to consider as another southern agent now here, he had never seen at all. The pamphlet then lay on his table. He added that I knew well his sympathies and his acts had been with us from the beginning. This, I am satisfied, has been so. You may have remarked in times past that the subject of slavery, the causes of the rebellion, or the right of secession, have not been in our conferences a subject of general discussion. The truth is, no occasion has arisen to make such discussion needful or proper. I have always been satisfied that Mr. Thouvenel’s views on the subject were right. He knows and perfectly appreciates the fact that slavery lies at the basis of the insurrection; that it is not free trade, nor any other of the pretexts or political pretences which are put forth by southern emissaries, that have led to this state of things. I only wish he was as well satisfied of our power to suppress the insurrection as I believe him to be satisfied of our right to do so. * * * *
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
His Excellency William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.