Mr. Thouvenel to Mr. Mercier.
Sir: I have received the despatch which you have done me the honor to write to me, numbered 77, which confirms the news of the restitution of Messrs. Mason and Slidell.
You already know what has been the satisfaction which the government of the Emperor has derived from this. I now do myself the pleasure of attesting that the communication which you were instructed to present to the cabinet of Washington was received in the same spirit of cordial frankness that inspired it, and that the government of the Emperor was not mistaken in its expectation of finding the United States maintaining that position upon which they have been a long time in accord with France in defence of the same principles.
Receive, sir, the assurances of my high consideration.
Mr. Henri Mercier, Minister of France at Washington.