Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: I thought M. Drouyn de Lhuys was rather disposed to find fault with late proceedings of our government. He referred again to your refusal of coal to their fleet, and to your giving up, as he said, to be hanged the secretary of Vidaurri, who had fled to Brownsville for protection, although now there was scarcely a war against France in Mexico—nothing against them but some roving marauding bands. He said, too, after their military officers were on the ocean to visit our country, with a view to examine what was to be seen there, and with our assent and assurance of welcome, they were then informed that this line or that could not be examined. M. Drouyn de Lhuys said it would have been more agreeable if notice had been sooner given, &c., &c. I could not but feel that this querulousness was in part the result of a consciousness that we, and not they, really had just cause of complaint. He was disposed to anticipate me in these matters—to complain rather than be complained of.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c.