Mr. Dix to Mr. Seward

No. 1.]

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I arrived at this city on the 8th instant, and, as it was late on Saturday afternoon, I went on to Versailles, where my family were awaiting me. I notified Mr. Bigelow, my predecessor, of my arrival on the same day, and on Monday, the 10th, I called on him at the legation. He immediately asked an interview for me of the minister of foreign affairs, the Marquis de Moustier, and on the 12th we called on him, agreeably to an appointment which he made with us. I handed him the office copy of my letter of credence and requested him to ask for me an audience of the Emperor that I might deliver the original. The Emperor was at Compiegne, and did not return till Monday, the 17th. On the 19th I received a note, dated the preceding day, from the Duc de Cambaceres, the grand master, of ceremonies, informing me that the Emperor would receive me on Sunday, the 23d.

On the 19th I received a note from the first chamberlain of the Empress, advising me that she would receive me immediately after my presentation to the Emperor.

Yesterday one of the chamberlains of the Emperor called on me in a state carriage, according to the established ceremonial, and conducted me to the palace of the Tuileries.

On my presentation to the Emperor I delivered the address of which the annexed paper, marked A, is a copy. I had sent a copy to the minister of foreign affairs three days before.

A translation of the Emperor’s reply, which was delivered in French, is annexed and marked B. A copy of the Moniteur of to-day, giving an account of the presentations yesterday, is also annexed, and marked C. The Emperor’s manner was very kind, and indicated, like his reply to my address, an earnest desire to be on friendly terms with us.

Immediately after my presentation to the Emperor I was conducted to the apartments of the Empress, who also received me with great kindness. She made many inquiries about the United States, and expressed a strong interest in the preservation of friendly relations between us and France.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN A. DIX.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

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A.

Address of Mr. Dix.

Sir: In presenting my letter of credence from the President of the United States, I am instructed by him to express his best wishes for your Majesty, and for the prosperity of the French empire, and his earnest desire that the good understanding now existing between the two countries may be perpetual. It has been the aim of the United States from the foundation of their government to cultivate friendly intercourse with all nations. There are special reasons why they desire to cherish the most amicable relations with France. They can never forget that she rendered them the most timely and effective aid in assuming their independent and equal rank among the other nations of the earth. Both countries—France during your Majesty’s reign, and the United States during the corresponding period of time—have made extraordinary advances in the industrial arts, and in the applications of science to practical uses. Occupying respectively conspicuous positions in front of the great areas of civilization on two continents, the influence of a sympathetic movement on their part in giving expansion to the ideas and progress to the national interests which concern the welfare of communities cannot fail to be powerfully and beneficially felt far beyond their immediate spheres of action.

I am sure I do not represent too strongly the feelings of the government or the people of the United States when I say that it is their earnest wish to see the association which has united them to France in the past, ripening in the future into a still more close and cordial friendship. I shall consider myself most fortunate if, in the discharge of my official duties near your Majesty’s government, I shall be able to contribute in any degree to an object so intimately interwoven with the prosperity and happiness of both countries, and with the interests of humanity throughout the civilized world.

B.

Reply of the Emperor.

I thank you, general, for the sentiments you have expressed to me in the name of the government of the United States. The historical recollections to which you have referred are a sure guarantee that no misunderstanding will disturb the friendly relations which have so long existed between France and the American Union. Á loyal and sincere understanding will, I do not doubt, contribute to the interest of industry and commerce, which are every day astonishing the world by their prodigies, and will insure the progress of civilization. Your presence among us cannot fail to contribute to this happy result by maintaining relations to which I attach the greatest value.