Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow
Sir: Your despatch of August 10, No. 157, has been received. It is accompanied by a correspondence between yourself and Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys in relation to the alleged schemes of Dr. Gwin and his associates in Mexico.
It gives me pleasure to say, that information which was received from that country while that correspondence was going on, and which information seems to be authentic, induces, the belief that the speculations referred to have altogether failed. I observe with still more pleasure that Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, in the communication which he addressed to you of the 7th of August, authorized us to expect that those schemes and speculations, so far as they were hostile to the United States, would be disapproved by the authorities acting in Mexico under the direction of, or in co-operation with, the Emperor of France. It is perceived with regret that either in substance or in manner the representation which you addressed to Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, and which elicited his communication, before referred to, in reply, was regarded by Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys as exceptionable. It becomes proper for me, under these circumstances,. to say that your representation was made in conformity with instructions given you by this department, and that on reviewing these instructions we are not able to discover any ground for criticism. They were given under the belief that a seasonable attention to the reports and rumors that were in circulation in regard to schemes of Dr. Gwin and other rebel emissaries in Mexico was necessary to prevent difficulties and to allay apprehensions, the indulgence of which was prejudicial to a good understanding between the United States and France. The President is gratified with the renewed assurance which Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys has given us of the Emperor’s resolution to observe an impartial and scrupulous neutrality upon all internal questions which may agitate or divide the United States.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
John Bigelow, Esq., &c., &c., &c. Paris.