Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward, February 23, 1863
Mr. Dayton to Mr.
Seward
February 23, 1863.
Sir: I have not seen Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys for
the last few days, and have nothing of special interest to communicate.
The insurrection of Poland has driven American affairs out of view for
the moment. A disturbance on the continent, especially in Central
Europe, is so near at hand, and touches the interests of so many of the
crowned heads of these countries, that distant events fall out of sight
until these more immediate troubles are settled. Nothing is publicly
known of the views of his Majesty, though the French press have almost
universally condemned Russia and sympathize with Poland. I am informed
that a courier started for St. Petersburg this morning, at eight
o’clock, with a manuscript letter from his Majesty to the Emperor Alexander. Of the
contents of this letter, however, nothing is known. Notwithstanding the
late war in the Crimea, the personal relations between these two
imperial personages are said to be good.
* * * * * * * *
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
His Excellency William H. Seward, Secretary of
State, &c.