Mr. Seward to Mr. Mercier.
Sir: Your note of January last was duly received. It calls my attention to the embarrassments which weigh upon French commerce and industry in consequence of the political disturbances existing in the southern portion of the United States, and suggests as a partial remedy that the correspondence of a purely commercial character might be transmitted by the consuls of the Emperor, such correspondence being in all cases open, and being found by the consuls to be purely commercial and having no tendency to a violation of the existing blockade.
Some delay has attended the consideration of this proposition, not because the government was disinclined to make the concession to France, but because the concession granted to French subjects must, in a spirit of equality, be conceded to the citizens or subjects of other foreign states, and also, perhaps, to citizens of the United States.
I am instructed by the President to say that military operations are rapidly bringing commercial cities where the insurrection exists under the authority of the United States, and that in connexion with these operations the government is considering how facilities may be granted of the character in question. I expect soon to be able to recur to this subject. In the meantime, should the delay seem unreasonable, I shall consent, with pleasure, to hear you upon it again, whenever you may think proper.
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you, sir, the assurance of my high consideration.
Mr. Henry Mercier, &c., &c., &c.