Mr. Benjamin to Mr. Slidell, October 28, 1862

Mr. Benjamin to Mr. Slidell.

Sir: Since writing my No. 7, of 17th and 20th
instant, I have received from the hands of Mr. Fearn (who arrived on
25th instant) your No. 10, of 25th July, with its very interesting
reports of your interviews with the Emperor of the French and Mr.
Thouvenel. I had previously received (on 21st instant) your private
letter of 18th September, forwarded through Mr. Mason, this last having
reached me in a shorter time than any communication hitherto had with
Europe, and demonstration the great value of the new means of
intercourse now opened and which
we hope to maintain. Mr. Mason will explain to you the details of the
new arrangement, and your best course will be to forward your future
despatches through him.

The voluminous contents of your despatch and that of Mr. Mason have
prevented their communication to the president, with whom I desire to
confer before answering you. The president is for the moment deeply
engaged in military matters, and in endeavors to repair by new
combinations the evils resulting from the failure of the Kentucky
campaign, which has eventuated in none of the happy consequences which
we so confidently hoped. The only gain has been the capture of a very
large amount of supplies.

I have no time to add anything by this conveyance, but another
opportunity will offer in a few days for a full despatch.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,