William L. Dayton to William H. Seward, October 16, 1863

Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward.

Sir: Your despatches from 386 to 408, both inclusive, (excepting only 399 and 404,) have been duly received, and their contents noted. The two despatches which seem to be missing may yet come to hand, or there may be some error in numbering. I would, however, if rightly numbered, be glad to receive duplicates of them.

Herewith I enclose to you a translation of the answers of Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys and Compte Chasseloup Laubat, minister of marine, to my application in respect to the vessels-of-war now being constructed at Bordeaux and Nantes. I told Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys that these papers were not so explicit and full as I desired them, that I thought it but due to the United States, as a friendly government, that the authorization for arming these vessels, obtained through a fraudulent representation practiced upon the authorities of France, should be promptly withdrawn. He said he considered the letter from the minister of marine as equivalent to a promise to do so; that that minister in his letter had concurred with him (Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys) in the assurance that the strict neutrality would be maintained; and as the construction and armament of these ships for the purposes indicated was a clear violation of this neutrality, his letter was a promise, &c. I told him that their intended action on this question was too important to be left to inference, and I begged, therefore, an explicit answer as to what would be done in reference to this authorization and these vessels. He seemed to consider the letters in question a full answer, but said he would make a note of my request for a more explicit reply, and communicate it to the minister of marine.

You will observe that neither of these papers speak of the shells and projectiles, &c., except as connected with the armament of these vessels. I shall, of course, advise you promptly of whatever may be done in the premises.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,