Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: Your despatch of June 26 (No. 321) has just come to my hands, but not until after I had despatched Mr. Cox with a communication which, in a [Page 753] great measure, anticipated the information you have now given to me, and the inquiry you have propounded to me. Never more than now have we experienced so fully the political inconvenience and hazards which result from a want of telegraphic communication. On the European shore the public mind is filled with complaints of inactivity of the armies of the United States. On our side, the great and brilliant victories recently won by these armies are celebrated as foreshadowing a complete and speedy extinguishment of the insurrection.
You will accept the President’s thanks for the vigilance with which you have watched political movements in France, and you will, in the event of any proceedings of intervention or recognition, adhere to and follow the instructions upon that subject heretofore given.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton, Esq.