Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton, March 2, 1863

Mr. Seward to Mr.
Dayton

Sir: Your despatch of February 5, No. 265, has
been received, and is approved.

Notice of the anticipated shipment of pistols from Paris will be given to
the Secretary of the Navy.

Congress is on the eve of adjourning. Its measures are vigorous as well
as judicious. We are not likely to seek a strife with any foreign
nation, and certainly not with France. It has not been the fault of this
government, nor even in harmony with its wishes, that apprehensions of
unfriendliness on the part of our first and most constant ally have
taken partial possession of some impatient minds in the country, and
awakened popular debates in the press, and even in Congress.
Notwithstanding these debates, this country will remain friendly
henceforth and forever, if its rights and honor continue to be
respected, as they have hitherto been by every government of France
which has existed during the last half century.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,