Mr. Merrier to Mr. Seward,.
Sir: I have received the note you did me the honor to address to me, dated November 21, on the subject of a desire expressed by a number of French settled at the city of New Orleans to leave that place, and to return to Europe without being hindered by the blockade. I thank you for the favorable inclinations you have been pleased to show under these circumstances in favor of those of our nation. To put them in the way of profiting with the least delay of this benefit, I hastened to communicate your reply to the admiral commanding the naval forces of his Majesty in the Gulf of Mexico, and he has just made known to me that the number of French desiring to embark is too considerable to be transported on a vessel-of-war. He therefore suggests to me, as the only means of meeting their wishes, to send a vessel to New Orleans which shall take on board a certain number of delegates of our nation, who shall go to Havana and there charter and equip neutral vessels, which shall proceed to New Orleans under the supervision of a vessel-of-war, and there receive the Frenchmen and their families, after they shall have fulfilled all the conditions which you have indicated to me, and conformed to the obligations imposed by the most strict neutrality.
I need not add, sir, that if this plan merits your approval you may rest assured that it will be executed on the part of his Majesty’s officers with the most scrupulous care.
I profit by this occasion to repeat to you, sir, the assurance of my high consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.