Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: Will you be so good as to advise me what are the existing regulations in the United States as to the purchase of cotton, &c., by neutrals, the character of payment and facilities of exportation allowed by our government? I had supposed that New Orleans, Port Royal, and Memphis were open for the exportation of cotton by all persons, and that purchasers could make payment in specie. The correspondence lately printed by the British government would seem to indicate that this is not so; that the Treasury Department has imposed restrictions and limitations which render the opening of those ports to a great extent illusory. Will you be pleased to say what is the exact condition of things on this subject?
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.