Drouyn de Lhuys to Bigelow, January 8, 1866

Mr. de Lhuys to Mr. Bigelow

Sir: You have had the kindness to communicate to me the proclamation by which President Johnson has definitely given his official sanction to the amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to the abolition of slavery over the whole extent of the federal territory.

You have justly thought, sir, that neither the government of the Emperor nor public opinion could view with indifference a measure destined to ameliorate the moral and material condition of several millions of human beings. We ourselves, several years ago, took the initiative in the suppression of slavery in our colonies. We, therefore, cannot but applaud the generous sentiment which has suggested to your government a measure so in harmony with the general progress of humanity.

Accept the assurances of the high consideration with which I have the honor to be, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant,