Mr. Seward to Mr. Geofroy
Sir: Referring to your note of the 26th of April last, and to my replies of the 30th of that month and 28th ultimo, in regard to the formation of a society at New Orleans, under the name of the club of the Defenders of the Monroe Doctrine, and to the alleged objects and proceedings of that association, I have now the honor to acquaint you that I have received information from Major General Banks corroborating the statements made by his excellency Governor Hahn, which were imparted to you in my note of the 28th ultimo. General Banks further reports, that if there are any federal officers connected with the before-named society, they are not men of influence or character. Officers may have been led in some instances to associate themselves with it out of motives of curiosity, but have abandoned the organization as soon as its unlawful character and purposes became known; that a Colonel Van Zandt, one of the persons lately arrested, has been dismissed from the service. If enlisted [Page 222] men are connected with it, they are without influence, and in many instances of disreputable character; that as a combination this association is unimportant in its influence upon international relations, but that there are some dangerous men connected with it; that they had before and since the receipt of my communication to Major General Banks, of the 30th April, been under close surveillance; that their objects are to enlist men, and, perhaps, to obtain arms and other materials for offensive demonstrations in Mexico or elsewhere; that it is quite as likely, however, to be intended to further their own ambitious personal projects and fortunes as to interfere in the affairs of Mexico or any other nation; that an arrest of these parties was made at the earliest moment when proof could be obtained of that purpose; that the steamer Crescent, upon which they had taken passage for Brownsville, was seized a few days since by Brigadier General Bowen, provost marshal general, and the departure of the expedition prevented.
In conclusion, Major General Banks reassures me that every precaution will be taken to avoid any unlawful interference with the affairs of Mexico, in violation of the policy of this government, as defined in my instructions to him.
Accept, sir, a renewed assurance of my highest consideration.
Mr. L. de Geofroy.