Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward

No. 390.]

Sir: Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys informed me that he had already directed Mr. Mercier to express to you the thanks of this government for the liberal action of the government of the United States in reference to the French tobacco, now at Richmond; but he desired that I too would inform you, as I now do, how highly our action in that respect had been appreciated by the government of the Emperor. The immense revenue derived by the government of France from its monopoly in the trade of tobacco makes the action of the United States on that subject of special importance.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM L. DAYTON.

Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.