Mr. Seward to Mr. Perry.
Sir: Your despatch of May 30 (No. 58) was duly received. It gives us a full and interesting account of your conversation with Mr. Calderon Collantes on the subject of the change of position of the late European allies in Mexico. I have, however, in a previous despatch communicated the views of the President on that subject so far as it is deemed wise to expose them at the present moment.
We are in a crisis in our own domestic affairs indicative of a close of the struggle. Events in Mexico are only at their beginning. We shall see more clearly and be able to determine more fully after a little time. Meantime it is proper that you should know that Mr. Corwin lately negotiated a treaty for a loan of eleven millions of dollars with Mexico; that this treaty was made in the absence of any instructions, and that it may perhaps be thought by the Senate to conflict with the policy that it has heretofore indicated. The treaty, however, has been submitted to the Senate for its information and consideration without an expression of opinion upon it by the President.
It is hardly necessary to repeat on this occasion the former expressions of satisfaction with the loyal and enlightened course of the Spanish government.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Horatio J. Perry, Esq., &c., &c., &c. Madrid.