Moustier to Bigelow, October 13, 1866

Mr. Moustier to Mr. Bigelow

Sir: I have instituted an inquiry into the causes which have delayed till now a definite solution of the reclamation which you have addressed to the imperial government in the name of the freighters of the American schooner W. R. Richardson.

My predecessor had only proposed to adjourn the examination until the moment when the reclamations which we, on our part, have to place before the government of the United States should be placed in proper shape.

Undoubtedly it is known to you, that for a long time we have been engaged in negotiations on this subject with the cabinet at Washington. This cabinet has insisted that the mixed commission which has been named for this purpose should be authorized to act upon the French reclamations against the United States, as well as upon the American reclamations against us.

We agreed upon this proposition, and therefore it has not depended on us that we are not already agreed upon this question. You understand that we wait only a perfect understanding between our governments on the manner of proceeding, in order to express our views on the reclamation which you have done me the honor to recall to my attention. At ail events, it is indispensable that my department should obtain from the minister of the marine full information, and I will ask him immediately to furnish it to me.

Accept, &c., &c.,