Mr. Seward to Sir F. Bruce
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 10th instant, in which you inform me that the Haytien minister in London, in the month of June last, expressed by order of his government a strong desire of the President of Hayti to come to a friendly understanding with the Dominican republic.
You also inform me that her Majesty’s government, as well as the French government, are prepared to lend their aid in the attempt at reconciliation between those republics, and you invite the co-operation of the government of the United States.
In reply, I have the honor to state that the President entirely concurs in the sentiments of her Majesty’s government and of the French government upon this subject, which you have communicated to me, and that he would have been prepared to express that concurrence insome practical form which would have been consistent with the general habits and policy of the United States, if the condition of both of those republics had undergone no change since his attention was first called to the subject. A revolution, however, has now occurred in St. Domingo, and no permanent government or administration has yet been established there.
Under these circumstances the President thinks that it has become necessary to await a reorganization of the government in that part of the island. When that reorganization shall occur, the President will with pleasure recur to the subject, if a necessity for good offices on the part of friendly powers shall seem to exist.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your obedient servant,
The Hon. Sir Frederick W. A. Bruce, &c., &c., &c.