Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: The copy of a despatch from General Canby in reference to Cortinas crossing the Rio Grande with his forces into Texas, which you sent to me in your No. 656, to be used subject to my discretion, I read to M. Drouyn de l’Huys. The facts had got into the newspapers with various comments, and as I well knew the attention of this government must have been called to the subject, I thought it safest at once to inform them of the prudent action of the government of the United States in the premises. M. Drouyn de l’Huys said this action of our government was a matter of interest, and begged me to let him take a copy of the extract, which I did. He remarked that it was important to him to have the means of explaining the facts at once, if the subject should be referred to by his Majesty.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.