Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow
Sir: Your despatch of the 14th of March, No. 55, has been received, and I have read with much interest the papers which accompany it, and which illustrate the disquietude now prevailing in Paris.
Fortunately, I have in my despatch of 15th instant, No. 71, explained to you the views and sentiments which our military and political situation suggests. We want our national rights. We are not looking for ulterior, national advantages, or aggrandizement, much less for occasions for retaliating in other forms of hostility against foreign states. We are not propagandists, although we are consistent in our political convictions.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
John Bigelow, Esq., &c., &c., &c.