Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of November 24, No. 203.
While it is very interesting, it seems to discourage an expectation on our part of the early withdrawal of the French force from Mexico. It is to be remarked, however, that the opinions upon that subject which you have received from Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys were expressed by him, not only without the positive sanction of the Emperor, but also in the absence of knowledge on the part of the French government of the definitive conclusion of the President on the subject discussed.
It is desirable to leave no part of those conclusions open to misapprehension. And it is equally desirable that we shall be authorized to infer that such expositions of the imperial views as are given us in the name of the French government are made with the Emperor’s approval. I trust that both these ends will have been accomplished before you receive this despatch. Your communication authorizes this expectation. For the present, therefore, I must be content with approving the tone, spirit, and substance of your explanations to Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
John Bigelow, Esq., &c., &c., &c.