William H. Seward to William L. Dayton, February 12, 1864

Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton

Sir: Referring to my previous despatches, Nos. 461, 465, 472, and 478, which relate to the case of Mr. Mansfield, United States consul at Tabasco, I have now the honor to send you a copy of a letter from him which has just been received at this department. As the facts of this transaction gradually come to the knowledge of this government it seems more and more a cause of surprise and pain that a consul of the United States should be treated with the severity which marks this case, whatever his offending might be. It would have been only courteous to the United States, and for aught that we can see, would have been perfectly consistent with the safety of the French army, to prefer a complaint to this government against the consul, at the same time sending him to the care of this government, if he was accused of practices however hostile to the cause of the French.

You are expected to ask just explanations and redress.

It is proper that you should be able to inform M. Drouyn de l’Huys that we have instructed a ship-of-war to visit Tabasco to inquire into this transaction, but have given them no instructions to exercise force.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,