Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward, March 11, 1863

Mr. Dayton to Mr.
Seward

Sir: I enclose you, by the present steamer, an
English copy of the translation of the speech of M. Billault, “minister
sans portefeuille,” on the French invasion of Mexico, delivered in the
corps législatif on the 7th of February last. This speech has,
doubtless, been translated and published in England at the instance of
the French government. M. Billault is, as you know, one of the most
eloquent debaters in France, and on the floor of the Chambers acts, in
this matter of Mexico, as the mouthpiece of the government. The Moniteur, of this morning, says that a copy of
this speech has been laid on the desk of each of the members of the
British Parliament. Two copies have been furnished to me, one, at least,
of which was, doubtless, intended for my government. You will draw your
own inferences from this course of proceeding on the part of this
government.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,