Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Your despatches from No. 411 to No. 424, inclusive, are received, (excepting, however, Nos. 421 and 423.)
Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys having failed to receive the diplomatic corps yesterday, I have nothing of special interest to communicate.
Although the foreign department did not go so far as to promise me that all work on these vessels building for the rebels at Bordeaux and Nantes should cease, but only that no armament and no delivery should be had, yet our consul at Bordeaux writes me that, on examination, a day or two since, not a man was to be seen employed there. On his prior visits the vessels and the yard itself had been literally alive with men.
The Emperor’s speech and his subsequent letter to the European powers, inviting a congress, &c., are now attracting all attention. It is doubtful if any congress, embracing all the great powers, will get together.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.