CHARLES FANCON, Post-Captain, Comd’g the ship Dordagne, of the Imperial Navy to Mr. the, June 7, 1862

[Untitled]

Monsieur le Ministre: With a strong feeling of gratitude I read the letter which your excellency was pleased to write to Mr. the minister of France on the occasion of the disaster which the Dordagne recently experienced at sea. I have the honor to return your excellency my very sincere thanks for the kind interest shown us.

I also thank you in the name of the imperial navy for the very flattering manner in which you speak of her. These praises are the more precious as coming from the representative of a great naval power, whose navy has always distinguished itself among all others by the beautiful construction and the magnificent condition of its squadrons, testifying in every sea to the accomplishments of the distinguished seamen who command them.

May it please your excellency to allow me to express how greatly moved I feel by your kind courtesy, still more increasing my strong sympathy for the United States, which, during my long career, my numerous and cordial relations with their civil or military representatives inspired.

With profound respect, I remain, M. the minister, your excellency’s most obedient servant,