DANA, Assistant Secretary of War to William H. Seward, November 14, 1864

Mr. Dana to Mr. Seward

Sir: In reply to your letter of the 2d instant, transmitting a translation of a note from Mr. de Geofroy, relating to the embarcation of French subjects who desire to leave the insurgent region, which you requested might be referred to Lieutenant General Grant, I am instructed by the Secretary of War to enclose for your consideration a copy of the opinion of that officer, of the 10th instant.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

General Grant to Mr. Stanton

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, this date, of communications from the State Department to you, and referred by you for my consideration, relative “to the embarcation of French subjects who wish to leave the insurgent States,” and to respectfully say, in reply, that I will afford all necessary assistance and protection to the French vessel proposed to be sent to Aiken’s landing. I desire to be apprised of the time the vessel will be ready to proceed, that I may place an officer of the United States army on board, and give the necessary directions for her safe conduct.

Whilst I am ready any day to carry out this plan, if you so direct, I would prefer to send a vessel or vessels from here to Aiken’s landing (the highest point on the James river to which a flag-of-truce boat can go) and receive and convey to Fort Monroe, Norfolk, or Baltimore, all French subjects who may come there for the purpose named in the communications.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,