Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow
Sir: I give you for your information a copy of a note* which I have recently received from Mr. Geofroy, charge d’affaires of the Emperor, concerning a projected universal exhibition of productions, of agriculture, manufactures, and the fine arts, to be opened at Paris on the 1st of May, 1867, under the direction and supervision of a commission in which his serene highness the Prince Napoleon will preside.
You will inform Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys that the President of the United States regards the project thus described with great favor, as well because of the beneficial [Page 256] influence it may be expected to exert upon the prosperity of the nations as of its tendency to preserve peace and mutual friendship among them.
The Prince Napoleon is most favorably known on this side of the Atlantic, and his connexion with the exhibition will increase its proper prestige in the eyes of the government and people of the United States.
What the executive government can do by way of concurrence in the noble purpose of his Majesty will, therefore, be very cheerfully done. The design and arrangements will be promptly promulgated. For the present, you will confer with Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys as a special agent of this government, and will bring yourself into near relations with the prince.
This is as far, however, as the President is able to proceed without special legislative authority. Application for that authority will be made to Congress when it shall have convened. In the mean time this department will receive and give due attention to any suggestions which the government of France may desire to offer with a view to a complete success of the contemplated exhibition.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
John Bigelow, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
- See correspondence with the French legation of 27th ultimo↩