William L. Dayton to William H. Seward, August 2, 1861

Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward.

Sir: Your despatch No. 27 was not received by me until after my return from London.

By my note to Mr. Adams, written in London, and to be found in despatch No. 22, you will find your instructions were anticipated by my action; that immediately upon learning, from a reliable source, what were the views of the government in regard to an accession to the treaty of Paris, expressed with full knowledge of facts occurring since its original instructions to me, I at once took measures to comply with them, without attempting to balance the suggestions of my own mind against its known wishes. But I confess that in a matter of such grave importance as an accession by the United States to that treaty, I did want those wishes distinctly expressed with full knowledge of the facts. You will observe, by the copy of a communication to the minister of foreign affairs, (marked A,) and hereunto annexed, that I have already moved in the matter here.

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With much respect, I have the honor to be your obedient servant,