Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: Your despatch of December 26, No. 247, has been received, and is approved. You will express to Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys the satisfaction with which the President has received Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys’s assurances that instructions would be given to the French agent at New Orleans to conduct matters there with prudence and moderation, avoiding occasions for unnecessary difficulty, without abandoning the protection of French subjects in their just rights. You will also inform Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys that reciprocal instructions, with a view to avert difficulties, have been given to the military authorities of the United States now occupying that city. It is confidently believed that the irritations which have prevailed there will now subside.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton, Esq., &c., &c., &c.