Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have received your instruction, No. 331, in relation to the levying of troops in Egypt to re-enforce the French army in Mexico. I invited the attention of Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, yesterday, to the reports circulating in American papers in regard to the landing of large numbers of troops at Vera Cruz, and asked if the policy of the government had undergone any change, since my last conversation upon that subject, in connexion with the levy of Egyptians. He replied that it had not, so far as he was aware; that he believed the French force in Mexico had been undergoing a reduction, rather than an increase; but to make himself entirely sure upon the point, he would again make inquiries at the war office, and let me know their result as soon as possible. In reply to another question of mine, he said that the government had no intention to take Egyptian troops to Mexico, but that it adhered entirely to the policy heretofore announced to me on that subject. On receiving this assurance, I did not think it my duty to read to him the instruction to our consul general at Alexandria, which accompanied your despatch.
I am, sir, with great respect, your very obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.