Mr. Benjamin to Mr. John Slidell.
Richmond, June 23, 1864.
[331] Sir: I can scarcely trust myself with the expression of the indignation felt by the president at the evasions and injustice of the French government in relation to the Rappahannock. He is of opinion that the delay in the action finally taken by you on the subject went *to the extreme verge of propriety, and is gratified to find that the decisive step was adopted of striking her flag and leaving her to the responsibility of the French government. The speech of Mr. Rouher on the 12th ultimo in the French chamber, and the circular letter of Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys of 4th ultimo, as given in that speech, have just reached us in the Index of 19th May, and may probably be regarded as correctly translated by Mr. Holze. They indicate so complete an “extente” between the cabinets of Washington and Paris, that we should be blind indeed if we failed to attach to these incidents their true significance.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Secretary of State.
Hon. John Slidell, &c., Paris.