William H. Seward to The Viscount Treilhard, August 20, 1862

Mr. Seward to Viscount Treilhard,

Sir: You have already been informed that the complaint made by your legation to this department concerning a request or requirement made by Major General Butler, commanding at New Orleans, upon Count Mejan, the French consul there, that he would retain seven hundred and sixteen thousand one hundred and ninety-six dollars ($716,196) which, he said, was deposited with him by Messrs. Dupasseur & Co., was by me referred to the examination of the Hon. Reverdy Johnson, who had been appointed by the President as a commissioner for this department.

I have now the honor to inform you that Mr. Johnson has performed the duty confided to him, and has submitted his report thereupon. I think it proper to furnish you with so much of Mr. Johnson’s general report as relates to that transaction, and I have further to state that it has been approved by the President. In accordance with the conclusion of the report, I have the honor to advise you that instructions will at once be given to Major General Butler, the acting military authority at New Orleans, to relinquish all claim on behalf of the United States upon the funds in question, so that Count Mejan will be at liberty to pay it to whomsoever may be entitled to receive the same.

I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you, sir, the assurance of my high consideration.