Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward
No. 261.]
Legation of the United States,
Paris,
February 7, 1866.
Sir: Recalling my despatch No. 241, enclosing a
communication made by me to M. Guizot and the Duke de Broglie, with the
President’s proclamation announcing the abolition of slavery in the
United States, I have the honor to enclose a copy and translation of a
reply to a similar communication, made to me by M. Laboulaye, the active
president of the French Committee of Emancipation, of which the other
gentlemen were honorary presidents.
I am, sir, with great respect, your very obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Translation.]
Mr. Ambassador: The members of the French
Emancipation Society have received, with emotion and sympathy, the
proclamation announcing the abolition of slavery, which you
instructed me to communicate to them.
In a numerous meeting assembled to consider the future fate of the
freedmen of your country I read your letter. It transformed our
gathering, in a measure, into a thanksgiving festival.
This century has witnessed the abolition of serfdom in Russia, and of
slavery in the United States. That is glory enough for it.
We entertain the hope that the illustrious successor of Lincoln and
the statesmen and Christians of America will know how to make
citizens of those of whom they have made freemen. The civilized
world expects from them the success of this grand experiment.
We shall watch the steps of its progress with the most untiring
interest; and we beg you to thank the President of the United
States, in the name of our committee, for the measures which he has
heretofore taken, and for the noble instrument to which his name
shall remain attached, as we thank you also, Mr. Ambassador, for
having communicated it to us.
Please accept the expression of our high consideration.
The president of the committee:
The secretary:
A. Cochin, Member of the French Institute.