73/80 These did _not_ include anything on Mexico, but made clear the plan of a "special commercial advantage" to France. In C.F.Adams, "A Crisis in Downing Street," p. 381, it is stated that Benjamin's instructions were written "at the time of Mercier's visit to Richmond"-- with the inference that they were a result of Mercier's conversation at that time. Benjamin's instructions were written on April 12, and were sent on April 14, while it was not until April 16 that Mercier reached Richmond. |