Mr. Seward to Mr. Mercier.
Sir: I cannot deny myself the pleasure of expressing to you the gratification with which the President has received the cordial assurances of good will and satisfaction in the disposition of the affair of the Trent conveyed to this government [Page 411] in Mr. Thouvenel’s despatch to you of the 19th of January, which you in so obliging a manner read to me, and a copy of which, at my request, you delivered to me on Saturday last.
I trust, sir, that the European states will on no occasion, more than on the one which has just passed, have reason to doubt that the United States, while acting loyally to themselves, will at the same time prove loyal, also, to the best principles and traditions of their history. It shall not be a fault on their part if, emerging from their present troubles, they do not retain the respect, good will, and fraternal sympathy of all enlightened nations. Have the goodness, in your own way, to make these sentiments known to Mr. Thouvenel.
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you, sir, the assurance of my high consideration.
Mr. Henry Mercier, &c., &c., &c.