Mr. Dayton to Mr.
Seward
No. 438.]
Paris,
March 21, 1864.
Sir: I herewith enclose you a slip cut from
Galignani, (the original being from the Loudon Globe,) stating that I
had intimated a readiness on the part of the United States to receive a
minister from Maximilian, as emperor of Mexico, &c. These statements
will, doubtless, be republished in our country. I need scarcely say
that, so far as I am concerned, there is not a word of truth in them. I
have never given nor thought of giving any such intimation as therein
stated, either officially or unofficially, publicly or privately.
Whether there is any truth in the statement as respects Mr. Slidell, his
application for a conference and its refusal, I know not.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward
Secretary of State, &c., &c.,
&c.
[From the London Globe.]
The new government in Mexico.—We have
reason to believe that, on accepting the crown of Mexico, the
emperor Maximilian will address from Miramas a formal notification
of his accession to the throne, to all the princes and powers with
which he desires to establish diplomatic relations. Among the number
are the United States of America, Mr. Dayton, the American minister
in Paris, having already intimated the readiness of his government
to accredit a representative in Mexico, and receive a minister from
the emperor of Mexico. Towards
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the Confederate States the policy of Maximilian will be that of
strict neutrality. By the advice of the Emperor Napoleon he will
abstain from recognizing the independence of the southern
confederacy, or entering into any diplomatic relations with it until
France shall have done so. During Maximilian’s visit to Paris, Mr.
Slidell applied by letter to him for an audience. After consulting
his imperial host, Maximilian firmly but courteously declined to
grant it. The rumors, therefore, of an early recognition of the
Confederate States by France and Mexico, and an alliance between the
latter empire and the southern confederacy, are altogether devoid of
foundation.
