William L. Dayton to M. Drouyn de l’Huys, August 17, 1864

Mr. Dayton to M. Drouyn de l’Huys

Monsieur le Ministre: Immediately upon the receipt of your late communication marked “note verbale,” complaining of the captain of the United States ship Niagara as guilty of a breach of international courtesy in firing a salute to the American consular agent while in the French waters of Cherbourg, without, either before or afterwards, saluting the French flag, I addressed to him a note of inquiry, asking to be informed how such an act of apparent disrespect to the French flag could have occurred. I have received his written reply, and I do not suppose that I can dispose of the matter in a more satisfactory manner than by sending you a copy of this reply and apology, which I herewith do, adding thereto my own regrets that anything should have occurred which could be construed into the slightest disrespect on the part of one of our national ships towards that flag which the United States, in common with the rest of the world, hold in the highest honor.

Accept, sir, the assurances of highest consideration with which I have the honor to be your excellency’s very obedient servant,