Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton, February 16, 1863

Mr. Seward to Mr.
Dayton

Sir: Your confidential despatch of January 30,
No. 263, has just been received.

I did not doubt that the telegraphic account of the French proposition,
which became known here on the arrival of the Europa, was made with the
consent of the French government. Nor have I had any more doubt that the
proposition itself was the fruit of disloyal communications from this
side of the Atlantic. I think, however, that the response the country
has made ought to satisfy the French government that it is safer to rely
on our official and national authority than on the secret suggestion of
a few unhappy partisans among us.

Persons under the influence of impatience expect greater and more
immediate results from any favored measure which is adopted than can be
realized. But, on the other hand, the results of judicious policies are
quite sure to discomfit those who denounce and renounce them in the
first moment of disappointment. We have indications here that the timid
counsels which have given some encouragement to emissaries and
sympathizers with secession abroad, and have seemed to threaten division
and distraction at home, are encountering a reaction that promises
health of public sentiment and strength to the government. I cannot
allow myself to analyze this evidence, since I think it prudent to
refrain in a foreign correspondence, even though a private one, from all
unnecessary allusions to the ever-changing phases of political debates
at home. You will, moreover, be quite as able to do it as I am.

The Asia’s mails have not arrived at the department, and the outgoing
mails are now being closed.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,