Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress

[Telegram per cable.]

Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow

Department of State, Washington, November 30, 1866.

Sir: Despatch just received by Secretary of War from General Sheridan at New Orleans, reports that he has reason to fear that for some unaccountable and unaccountable reason General Sedgwick has crossed or will cross the Rio Grande and demand the surrender of Matamoras, on plea of preventing the pillage of Americans. General Sheridan reports that if Sedgwick should so cross the Rio Grande, he, Sheridan, will at once disapprove the proceeding and will relieve him from his command; and he has already telegraphed to General Sedgwick disapproving the proceeding. The Secretary of War has approved General Sheridan’s action and disapproved that of General Sedgwick in all respects.

The Marquis de Montholon has now shown me a despatch of Mr. Moustier of the 15th of October last, and explained the reason for not giving me a copy of the same when received. You may look for a despatch from me to-morrow, which I hope may favorably affect the question presented in my late telegraphic despatch.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

John Bigelow, Esq., &c., &c., &c.