William L. Dayton to Winslow, U. S. Ship Kearsarge, June 19, 1864

Mr. Dayton to Captain Winslow

My Dear Sir: Permit me to offer you, your officers and crew, my hearty congratulations upon your success, this morning, in destroying the Alabama— that pest of the seas. You could have rendered to your country, I am sure, no service more acceptable than this; every loyal American will receive a knowledge of the fact with gratification and joy. I am happy in being able, as an organ of my countrymen, to tender to you thus promptly their thanks and congratulations. I am sure I can but express, very feebly by anticipation, their thanks and good wishes.

Your telegram as to the question of paroling your prisoners was not received in time to get off an answer which can be received to-night, the office at Cherbourg not being open, as I am informed, to receive despatches after 9 p. m. I telegraphed you, however, that you had better not parole your prisoners, because our government had always refused to consider the Alabama a regular ship-of-war; and to discharge these prisoners on their parole would be to concede to them a right which the government had, in effect, denied they were entitled to. The responsibility of determining the status I thought most prudent should be left to the government itself. The St. Louis was, two days ago, on its way to Cadiz and Cherbourg, and would, if necessary, relieve your decks of their incumbrances. Please report to me the circumstances under which Captain Semmes and lieutenant escaped on the English yacht referred to in the telegram from my son.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,