Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: Your despatch of December 25, No. 390, has been received. In one of my late communications I informed you of a new discovery that had occurred to delay the shipment of the tobacco of the French government at Richmond. M. Mercier, whose arrival at Paris will have anticipated this despatch, will, I trust, have made known to M. Drouyn de l’Huys the singular difficulties in regard to the matter which have arisen out of a misapprehension by all parties of an important fact in regard to the time when the tobacco was purchased and paid for by the French government. The discovery of this error is deemed to render a new presentation of the question to her Britannic Majesty’s government necessary. While this representation’s being made, I renew with pleasure the assurance that the President remains favorably disposed upon the subject
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton Esq., &c., &c., &c.