Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of January 15, No. 400. We learn from it the determination of the French government to permit the Rappahannock to be completed and prepared for sea, though not armed at Calais.
You have already anticipated the disappointment and regret which this decision has produced here, when we regard the evidence that has been furnished to M. Drouyn de l’Huys as conclusive that she is a fugitive pirate preparing for the devastation of our national commerce.
Your proceedings in giving notice to the French government that the United States will feel themselves entitled and obliged to look to that government for indemnity for the injuries she may produce is approved. It will be necessary now that you proceed one step further, and inform M. Drouyn de l’Huys that this decision of the French government, co-operating with other causes, will be a trial of the friendship of this country towards France, for which, after the protests that you have made, not this government, but that of the Emperor, will be responsible.
Yesterday information was laid before me of a design of an adventurous party, now beyond our jurisdiction, to obtain letters of marque from the republican government of Mexico, to harass the commerce of France. This government is constantly called upon to give leave for the conveyance of arms into Mexico for the use of the Mexican authorities in the war with France. It stands firmly and faithfully upon its neutrality, but in doing this it wounds popular sympathies which no human power could repress. The Emperor’s government has had abundant occasion to observe that the Executive of the United States has practiced prudence and forbearance in their relations with the maritime powers which were not expected from a government being so popular in its form as ours, because it seemed impossible. Is it not inexpedient for the government of France to continue indulgence towards our enemies such as we wholly refused to her enemies? The President thinks that you should invite Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys to bestow serious consideration upon the subject.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton Esq., &c., &c., &c.