Mr. Seward to Mr. Dudley.
Sir: Your despatch (No. 169) of November 11, 1862, has been received.
The records of this department abound in evidences of your loyalty, activity, and diligence, and they abundantly refute the insidious article to which you have directed my attention. Yet it is hardly worth while to go into the press to correct such misapprehensions. The temper of the times favors the production of such scandals. A new one follows the exposure of any one that is exploded. Happily the public judgment is not profoundly affected by any of them. It is not unlikely that Congress may call for the consular correspondence. In that case your vindication will come before the public, without the manifestation of any uneasiness on your part, and, therefore, it will be more effective.
I have furnished to the Navy Department the interesting facts contained in your despatch now acknowledged.
More iron-clads are necessary for the taking of Charleston. The building of them has seemed slow, but they are now beginning to move to their proper field of duty. The Ironsides and the Passaic have gone there, and eight more, I think, will reach Charleston in time to anticipate the fleets that are now fitting out in Europe.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
T. H. Dudley, Esq., United States Consul, Liverpool.