William H. Seward to William L. Dayton, October 31, 1864

Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton

Sir: I en close herewith a copy of a despatch of the 5th of October, and of its accompanying protest, from Lewis S. Ely, esq., our consul at Acapulco, relative to the seizure of the United States mail bag at that place, by order of the commandant of the French forces there, who it appears, instructed the vice-consul of France to break the seal and take possession of the contents of said bag, which was done while in transit from the American steamer Golden City to the office of Mr. Ely. You will at once make known the facts of the case to the French government and ask that an explanation may be given of this unusual proceeding.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,