Mr. Benjamin to Mr. Slidell.
Sir: Since writing my No. 7, of 17th and 20th instant, I have received from the hands of Mr. Fearn (who arrived on 25th instant) your No. 10, of 25th July, with its very interesting reports of your interviews with the Emperor of the French and Mr. Thouvenel. I had previously received (on 21st instant) your private letter of 18th September, forwarded through Mr. Mason, this last having reached me in a shorter time than any communication hitherto had with Europe, and demonstration the great value of the new means of intercourse [Page 80] now opened and which we hope to maintain. Mr. Mason will explain to you the details of the new arrangement, and your best course will be to forward your future despatches through him.
The voluminous contents of your despatch and that of Mr. Mason have prevented their communication to the president, with whom I desire to confer before answering you. The president is for the moment deeply engaged in military matters, and in endeavors to repair by new combinations the evils resulting from the failure of the Kentucky campaign, which has eventuated in none of the happy consequences which we so confidently hoped. The only gain has been the capture of a very large amount of supplies.
I have no time to add anything by this conveyance, but another opportunity will offer in a few days for a full despatch.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. John Slidell, &c., &c., &c., Paris.
P. S.—Mrs. Davis begs me to say that she anticipates with eagerness the promised letter from your daughter, which has not yet reached Richmond.