Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow
Sir: * * * * * *
From the account which you give me of the state of opinion on American affairs now prevailing in Paris, I infer that there is less cause than heretofore for anxiety about our relations with the Emperor. If we can be fortunate enough to avoid actual collisions between the armed subjects or authorities of the European powers and our own, by sea as well as by land, time and events may then be expected to render easy of solution political questions which now it is even hazardous to touch. I trust that the affair of the Olinde may prove to be one in which we are to suffer no injury, and so have no cause of complaint against France.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
John Bigelow, Esq., &c., &c., &c.