[Translation.]
Mr. Geofroy to Mr. Seward
Legation of France to the United
States,
Washington,
October 2, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to send to you the note,
in terms, upon which we agreed this morning, on the subject of Frenchmen
who emigrate from the southern States.
I seize this occasion to offer to your excellency the fresh assurance of
my high consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.
[Enclosure.]
[Translation.]
The subjects of France residing in the southern States are daily
placed in the dilemma, by the local authorities, of taking service
in the confederate army or of leaving the country. Many among them
have declared their purpose to adopt the latter alternative, but the
government at Richmond, in turn, interposes obstructions, not
permitting them to pass the frontiers by land. It only authorizes
them to pass out by way of the sea, making use of vessels running
the blockade, which is dangerous, and also very expensive.
The legation of the Emperor, desiring to come to the aid of these
French subjects, is disposed, if the government of the United States
sees no objection to it, to send one or two ships-of-war to one of
the southern ports to receive them, and to transport them to New
York.
Admiral Reynaud, having been consulted on the question of ways and
means, has indicated the port of Charleston as the most proper for
this operation, in a maritime point of view, Savannah and Wilmington
not having water enough for his ships, and he is ready to despatch
one or two at need to that port as soon as he shall have received
official advice of the assent of the government of the United
States.
