[Extract.]

Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward

No. 25.]

Sir: Reference had to my despatch No. 8, I desire to call your attention to the following official statement which I translate from the Moniteur of yesterday morning:

β€œAll reports, circulating in the journals relative to a cession made to France by the Mexican government of certain provinces of Sonora, Chihuahua, &c., &c., are absolutely unfounded.”

The rumors which this paragraph is designed to put at rest have been widely circulated in Europe, and had begun to provoke discussion even in France, but in a tone uniformly unfavorable to the cession, the proximity of the new colony to the United States being always enumerated as its chief misfortune.

* * * * * * * * *

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

JOHN BIGELOW.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.