William L. Dayton to William H. Seward, November 27, 1863

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

Sir: I yesterday saw Mr, Drouyn de Lhuys for the first time within the last fortnight. His absence from Paris, and pressing engagements the week before, have prevented his receiving the diplomatic corps for business. * * * He said, furthermore, that he had himself personally informed Messrs. Arman and Voruz, (the constructors and iron-founders,) engaged on the vessels now being built at Bordeaux and Nantes, that the work thereon must cease unless they could satisfy him that they were honestly intended for another government, and he added to me that he would at once refer their proceeding to the minister of marine. * * * * * *

I am, sir, your obedient servant,