Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward
Sir: The following semi-official announcement appeared in La France last evening: “The return to France of Marshal Bazaine with the first detachment returning from Mexico is under consideration. In this case the marshal will turn over his command to General Douai.”
Should nothing occur to change the present programme, I think Marshal Bazaine will return with the first detachment of French troops in October next. I am told that the contract with the Transatlantic Steamship Company, for their transport from Vera Cruz to St. Nazaire, was signed on Monday last.
I have as yet received no reply from Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys to my inquiry in reference to the contract supposed to have been signed at the ministry of marine for the shipment of troops from Trieste to Vera Cruz. His silence leaves little room to doubt that my suspicions were correct.
I have, &c.,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.