John Bigelow to William H. Seward, December 11, 1865

Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have the honor to transmit a communication received from the minister of foreign affairs in reference to some documents which I had given him relative to the operations of the Havre agency of the American Emigrant Company. I sent these observations of Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys to Mr. Zumstein, agent at Havre of the company in question, and have received from him a reply stating that the company is compelled to discontinue its operations, “in consequence of the disbandment of nearly 700,000 able men, all desirous of findings some employment or returning to their former occupations.”

I have, therefore, regarded it as unnecessary to take the subject into further consideration without instructions.

I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,