Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow
Sir: We have received a complaint from our commander at Brownsville, that General Mejia, the officer in command at Matamoras, had received from the rebel commander a quantity of cannon and other public property. It is understood that this complaint is to be followed by another, that the French authorities at Matamoras have also received into their service a large detachment of late rebel soldiers, with their arms. Circumstances indicate a growing disposition in some quarters of this country to find or make a casus belli with a view of the political situation of Mexico. I think it would be well for you, in an informal and confidential manner, to let the French government understand the great importance, as we think, of the practice on their part of the most just and friendly disposition towards the United States by the French authorities in Mexico, as well as in the shaping of French policies towards that country.
Prompt and punctual attention to this subject will be of most essential importance.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
John Bigelow, Esq., &c., &c., &c.