Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: Your despatch of June 26, No. 496, has been received. Your proceedings in relation to the new French steamship line are cordially approved. I am not aware that the vessel of that line just despatched from Havre has arrived at New York. Measures will be adopted to have your suggestions about her reception carried out in the commercial metropolis, and her officers will receive a courteous welcome if they come to this capital.
I am not inattentive to the indication of a hostile disposition indulged by the government party in France against the United States. It is, however, as wise as it is honorable to our national character to treat France frankly and courteously in all our intercourse. Nor do I now apprehend any serious complications of our relations with that government or with the government of Great Britain.
European questions have become too critical to allow active hostilities against us at present. Our civil war has had the effect of developing political and martial forces here which are sufficient to arrest the attention of statesmen, however unwillingly, in foreign countries. We may not unreasonably believe that we are approaching the end of revolutionary war. And it is hardly less probable that France and Great Britain are now not so far from the verge of that abyss as to allow them to be reckless of our rights.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton Esq., &c., &c., &c.