William L. Dayton to William H. Seward, May 16, 1864

Mr. Dayton, United States minister, to Mr. Seward, Secretary of State.

[304] Sir: At a special interview accorded to me on Saturday last, M. Drouyn de Lhuys informed me not only that the two iron-clads, now being constructed by Arman, at Bordeaux, under contract with the confederates, have been positively sold to a neutral power, but he assured me distinctly that the four clipper-ships in the course of construction at Bordeaux and Nantes, under a like contract, should not be delivered to the confederates. As two of these vessels are approaching completion, I confess I was much gratified by receiving this distinct assurance. His language was most explicit, and I thanked *him accordingly.

I am, sir, &c.,