Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: Your despatch of the 24th of June (No. 318) has been received. Notwithstanding all those interested and injurious reports, which are reaching us, of developments on the part of the Emperor detrimental to the United States, the President still confides in the justice of the Emperor and the friendship of France. If we must err at all in our conduct of foreign relations, through want of accredited information, it is safest to err on the side of sincere faith.
The next steamer must bring us news either justifying this confidence, or showing that it must be absolutely and forever relinquished; meanwhile the mails which are now on the outward way carry intelligence which will probably relieve our position in Europe from all danger of hostile action which shall not have already been inaugurated there.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton, Esq.