William H. Seward to L. de Geofroy, April 9, 1864

Mr. Seward to Mr. Geofroy

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 7th instant, stating that about the end of December and beginning of January last, bodies of troops from the command of General Banks went from Brownsville and Brazos Santiago, in Texas, into Mexican territory, and carried off a considerable number of bales of cotton lodged at Boca del Rio Bravo. In reply I have the honor to acquaint you that this department has no knowledge, official or otherwise, of the proceeding referred to. Inquiry will, however, at once be made in regard to it, and such further proceedings will be adopted as the result may call for, it being the disposition of this government to maintain entire neutrality between the belligerents in Mexico, and its determination not to authorize or sanction any invasion of Mexican soil.

I have the honor to be, with high consideration, sir, your obedient servant,