Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward, March 21, 1863

Mr. Dayton to Mr.
Seward

Sir: Will you be so good as to advise me what
are the existing regulations in the United States as to the purchase of
cotton, &c., by neutrals, the character of payment and facilities of
exportation allowed by our government? I had supposed that New Orleans,
Port Royal, and Memphis were open for the exportation of cotton by all
persons, and that purchasers could make payment in specie. The
correspondence lately printed by the British government would seem to
indicate that this is not so; that the Treasury Department has imposed
restrictions and limitations which render the opening of those ports to
a great extent illusory. Will you be pleased to say what is the exact
condition of things on this subject?

I am, sir, your obedient servant,