Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: Intelligence has reached here directly, and by the way of Vera Cruz, that Mr. J. H. Mansfield, the United States consul at Tabasco, has been imprisoned by the authorities there. Nothing, however, is officially known of the charges against him. Mr. Lane, the consul at Vera Cruz, in a despatch of the 2d ultimo, an extract from which is annexed, intimates that Mr. Mansfield has been unmindful of the neutrality prescribed by his instructions and by his duty as a consul of a power in amity with both Prance and Mexico. It is desirable, however, that we should be informed of the reason for the proceedings against him. You will consequently apply to Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys for information upon the subject.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton Esq., &c., &c., &c.