Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: Your despatch of April 11, No. 449, has been received.
I thank you for the information it brings concerning the acceptance of the tendered crown by the Archduke Maximilian, and his intended departure for Mexico.
Events which have recently occurred in the eastern section of that country, if they are correctly reported, show that the Mexican national authorities are not likely to be immediately suppressed. It is of course not impossible that new embarrassments for this government may grow out of the archduke’s assumption of authority in Mexico. But we shall do all that prudence, justice, and honor require to avert them, at the same time we shall not forego the assertion of any of our national rights.
If such precautions fail to secure us against aggression, we shall then, I trust, be able to rise, without great effort, to the new duties which in that case will have devolved upon us. I remain now firm, as heretofore, in the opinion that the destinies of the American continent are not to be permanently controlled by any political arrangements that can be made in the capitals of Europe.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton Esq., &c., &c., &c.