Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-15
Mr., Mason 10 N. Drouyn de rHuys.
LEGATION UNITED STATES,


PARIS, November 6, 1854.
SIR: have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your excellency's letter of the lst Of
November, in reply to mine Of the 9th Of DC
tober ultimo. / have carefully examined your
narrative of circumstances which led to the
event and gave occasion for this correspon-
dence. 1t is quite manifest that the order
under which the commissary Of police at Calais
acted, when he interdicted Mr.. Soules entrance
into France, did not present to the American
minister any alternative but to return to En-
gland or remain in Calais, virtually under
duress, until the further orders of the Empe-
ror's government could be received. think
your excellency will concur in the opinion that
he could not, consistently with the dignity of
his government, remain on the frontier Of
France-there situated, awaiting orders which
he had no reason TO believe would be more
favorable than the one which denied him en-
trance upon French territory. cannot, there
fore, but deeply regret that the precise tele-
graphic order which your excellency has incor-
porated in your letter to me did not precede
Mr. Soule's arrival at Calais. That order,
am pleased TO find, removes all impeachment to
the free passage of the American minister &C
credited to the Court Of Spain through the ter
ritory of France.
have not failed TO observe the declaration
that Mr.. Soule's residence in France viii not
be authorized by the Emperor's government
As his public duties require him to reside in
Spain, be has no intention, as far ms am in.
formed, of remaining or residing in France
therefore forbear entering into any examina-
ton Of the reasons suggested for the determi
nation to deny him the privilege, or of the
manner in which he has been notified of the
<sf he IL
have observed also the distinction which
your excellency makes between individuals and
ministers. Without undertaking 10 inquire
how far such distinction can be maintained
for it is not necessary TO the occasion to guard
myself against being misunderstood If pass
il in silence--I must say that, in my opinion,
one who is public minister, passing through
the territory Of friendly nation to the court
to which he is accredited, has privileges under
the solemn sanction Of the law of nations.
about which, if it shall become necessary to
discuss them, / feel assured that will not have
the misfortune to find conflicting views held
by one so enlghtend as your exceilency,
i have much satisfaction in receiving the
assurance, given in the emphatic declaration
Of your excellency, that the minister of the
United States TO Spain is at liberty to traverse
France towards his post, and obeying the com
mission with which he is charged by his goven-
ment. The recognition Of this right is all that
have TO ask of the Emperors government in
the premises; and on this, as on all other &C.
casions, receive with pleasure the assurance
that the government Of his Imperial Majesty
has at heart relations of friendship and esteem
with the government Of the United States
feeling which, it is my constant desire and
effort 10 cherish and siren CITIZEN them
II L. ~ -
dence to my government and win also inform
the American minister TO Spain, who is still in
London, Of the result which has been arrived at
avail myself Of the opportunity to renew to
your excellency assurance of the very high
consideration with which am your obedient
humble servant,
j. Y. MASON.