William L. Dayton to William H. Seward, July 20, 1864

Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward

Sir: Herewith I enclose the copy of a late note from Mr. de la Montagnie, our consul at Nantes, in reference to the vessels building at that port.

He seems to think that a man named Hansarson, who has been a rebel agent, as supposed, at that port, has yet charge of those vessels, and the inference consequently is, that the rebels yet hold their interest and control in and over those two clipper ships building there. These you will remember are not the iron-clads.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,