Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I received notice by telegraph last night, and again this morning, that the rebel propeller Georgia, Maury, captain, came into the port of Cherbourg last night, for what purpose I have not yet learned. This morning I have communicated the fact to Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys, making the same character of protest as in the case of the Florida. He said that he regretted very much she had not gone on her way without stopping, but would state the fact to his colleague, the minister of marine.
I informed him, likewise, that I had received an answer from Captain Winslow, of the United States ship Kearsarge, at Brest, to the notice that if he waited until the departure of the Florida he could not follow until the expiration of twenty-four hours. It seems that Captain Winslow has kept fires on his vessel, with a view to forging purposes and the condensation of sea-water, which is alone used on board for drinking, and the smoke emitted has given rise to the report that he was keeping up steam to immediately chase the Florida, in defiance of the notice served upon him, soon after his arrival, by the admiral in command of that department.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.