William H. Seward to Wm. L. Dayton, August 17, 1861

Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton.

Sir: I send you a copy of a despatch, which is this day sent to Mr Adams, concerning the negotiations with Great Britain for the melioration of international law relating to the rights of neutrals in maritime war.

You will, of course, wait in your negotiations, at Paris, until the result of the explanations, which Mr. Adams is instructed to ask, shall have been received and duly considered. There is reason, however, to expect that the delay which thus becomes necessary will be moved for by Mr. Thouvenel himself when he shall have become advised of the new and singular position assumed by Lord John Russell.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,