Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Third Session Thirty-seventh Congress

Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton.

No. 136.]

Department of State, Washington, April 1, 1862.

Sir: Your despatch of March 18 (No. 127) has just been received.

I have anticipated the chief subject presented by you in a previous communication, No. 133.

New Orleans, and all the other southern ports which have not yet fallen into our hands, are not now left to a mere blockade, but are in a state of siege, during the continuance of which correspondence and commerce of course are suspended. The result of the siege will probably transpire while this paper is on the way to its destination.

We expect success, and after it we shall seek to restore commerce.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

William L. Dayton, Esq., &c., &c., &c.