William L. Dayton to William H. Seward, September 18, 1863

[285] *F. Correspondence relative to Arman Rams. Mr. Dayton, United States minister, to Mr. Seward, Secretary of State.

Sir: I have this morning called the attentiou of Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys to the evidence showing that at least four, if not five, ships are being built in the ship-yards at Bordeaux and Nantes for the confederates. This evidence is the same as that sent to you from the Paris consulate, and which I referred to in my dispatch No. 344. It is conclusive, I think, as to the facts charged. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys expressed himself as greatly surprised, and I doubt not he was so. He assured me he had no knowledge of anything of the kind, and that the government would maintain its neutrality. He thanks me for calling his attention promptly to this matter, the importance of which he fully recognized.

He requested copies of the original papers; said that he would at once investigate the facts and the French legislation bearing on the question, and then let me know what would be done.

[286] *It seems to me that their action on this subject is likely to afford a pretty good test of their futqre intentions. As to what the law may be, it does not, I apprehend, much matter; if they mean that good relations with our country shall be preserved, they will stop the building of these ships, or at least the arming and delivering of them; if they mean to break with us, they will let them go on.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,