To the Senate1Jump to section
In answer to the resolution of the Senate of yesterday, requesting information touching the visit of Mr. Mercier to Richmond, in April last, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, to whom the resolution was referred. ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Washington, 10th. Feby., 1863.
Annotation
[1] DS, DNA RG 46, Senate 37A F2. Seward's report of February 9 concerning the visit of Henri Mercier, the French minister, reads in part:
``That no suggestions were made to M. Mercier by the Secretary of State that induced, or were designed or calculated to induce, him to undertake a mission to Richmond in April last, or at any other time. He was not then, nor has he or any other person ever been, authorized by this government or by the Secretary of State to make any representations of any kind or on any subject to the . . . so-called authorities at Richmond, or to hold any communication with them on behalf of this government. . . .
``Since the fourth of March, 1861, no communication, direct or indirect, formal or informal, has been held by this government, or by the Secretary of State, with the insurgents, their orders, or abettors. No passport has been granted to any foreign minister to pass the military lines except by the President's direction, and each of such ministers who has received such passport has, on his return, waited upon the President as well as the Secretary of State, and given them such account, unasked, as he thought proper of the incidents of his journey.
``Of course, these statements are to be qualified so far as the facts relating to communications concerning the exchange of prisoners and other military matters. . . .''