Mr. Pennington to Mr. Seward
Sir: I had the honor of an interview yesterday with M. Drouyn de Lhuys for the purpose of ascertaining if there were any unfinished matters between Mr. Dayton and the minister of foreign affairs. I find there was nothing; and after leaving a copy of your despatch asking for some more copies of the report of the returns of the railroads on the continent for 1861 and 1862, the conversation turned upon the sudden death of Mr. Dayton, Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys dwelling upon the high estimation in which he was held, not only by himself, but by all the corps diplomatic.
Our last telegraphic news has changed the tone of the foreign press, very much, and also the sentiments of the people. The journals of Great Britain and France have almost universally predicted the destruction of General Sherman in his retreat from Atlanta, as they call it.
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I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.