William L. Dayton to William H. Seward, September 1, 1864

Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward

Sir: Our indefatigable consul at Nantes writes me that an agent at St. Nazaire and Belle Isle is now essential to enable him to communicate promptly with the United States vessels on the French coast, and that the use of the telegraph is occasionally indispensable. He asked me if he would be allowed for such necessary expenditures. To this I have answered as follows:

“There is no doubt but that you will be allowed for such necessary expenses as you incur in the employ of agents at St. Nazaire, Belle Isle, or elsewhere, and for telegrams. It is only necessary that the right to spend money for these things be prudently exercised and proper vouchers be taken by you when you make payment.”

Any expenses he may incur in these matters will doubtless be small in amount.

You have in your department copies of all the papers in reference to those vessels at Bordeaux and Nantes. If our ships-of-war should seize them at sea, does it seem to you that France would have any just ground of complaint? I ask, because it is not to be doubted, if seized while under the French flag, before delivery to the confederates, there would be rightly or wrongly a serious question made by this government—a question which might lead to hostilities between the two countries.

I send you herewith copies of two letters lately received—one from our consul at Nantes, the other from Captain Rodgers, of the Iroquois.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,