Office of the Historian
[Extract.]

Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward.

No. 92.]
Legation of the United States, Paris, May 12, 1865.

SIR:* * * * * * * * * *

The proclamations accompanying despatch No. 112* were transmitted to the minister of foreign affairs, with a despatch, of which enclosure No. 1 is a copy.

I am, sir, with great respect, your very obedient servant,

JOHN BIGELOW.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c.,&c.,&c.

[Enclosure No. 1.]

Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys.

Legation of the United States, Paris, May 4, 1865.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, to your excellency, a printed copy of three proclamations issued by the President of the United States on the 11th ultimo: one relating to the closing of certain ports of entry; another supplementary thereto, and relating to the port of Key West, Florida; and a third, relating to reciprocal hospitality to the vessels of foreign navies in the ports of the United States, and to vessels of the navy of the United States in foreign ports. Your excellency will perceive, by these proclamations, that it is believed that the time has arrived when the United States, whatever claim or pretence may have existed heretofore for denying them, are now entitled to claim the same friendly rights and hospitalities which they are willing to concede to the marine of all other nations.

I have the honor to renew to your excellency the assurances of my highest consideration, and remain your very humble and very obedient servant,

JOHN BIGELOW.

His Excellency Monsieur Drouyn de Lhttys, Minister of Foreign Affairs, &c.,&c.,&c.

  1. Same as accompaniments to instruction No. 1,350 to Mr. Adams.↩