William H. Seward to William L. Dayton, July 2, 1864

Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton

Sir: Your despatch of the 17th of June, No. 491, was received and immediately submitted to the Navy Department. I give you a copy of a note which I have just now received from the Secretary of the Navy, by which it appears that the Iroquois will forthwith go out to strengthen the United States naval forces in European waters.

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I approve of your instructions to Captain Winslow. It will he proper for you, nevertheless, while informing M. Drouyn de l’Huys that I do so in a spirit of courtesy towards France, to go further, and inform him that the United States do not admit a right of France to interfere with their ships-of-war at any distance exceeding three miles.

Especially must we disallow a claim of France so to interfere in any conflict that we find it necessary to wage in European waters with piratical vessels like the Alabama, built, armed, manned, and equipped, and received as a belligerent in opposition to our persistent remonstrances to commit depredations on our commerce.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,