Mr. Dayton to Mr.
Seward
No. 393.]
Paris,
December 25, 1863.
Sir: My despatch No. 387 encloses to you a copy
of a note recently sent to Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys in reference to the
rebel vessel called the Rappahannock, lying at Calais, I now beg to
enclose to you a translation of Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys’s reply. I should
add that, in the course of conversation had with him yesterday, he
admitted that this vessel was, in his judgment, an exceptional case,
inasmuch as she was not driven in by stress of weather or necessity, but
came voluntarily, to complete her equipment; and that, in this respect,
her case was unlike the case of either the Florida or Greorgia. He said,
further, that he understood the minister of marine agreed with him in
this view; but nothing has yet been done. I am daily expecting some
orders from the minister of marine, in reference to this vessel.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward
Secretary of State, &c., &c.,
&c.
[Translation.]
M. Drouyn de l’Huys to Mr. Dayton
Paris,
December 23, 1863.
Sir: I have received the letters which you
have done me the honor to address me, dated the 4th, 12th, and 19th
of this month, to communicate to me the information which had been
transmitted to you in regard to the vessel Rappahannock. I have
taken care to give notice of them to the minister of marine, whose
information was still incomplete, and I await the result of the
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inquiry into which our
authorities are obliged to proceed, in order to judge of the
difference which you point out between the position of the vessel
and that of the Florida and of the Georgia. I think, indeed, with
you, that it is desirable to avoid giving an equitable base for
future reclamations. It is with this feeling that the government of
the Emperor has always been studious to act, and it will not depart
therefrom in this circumstance. I cannot, however, prevent myself
from causing you to remark, on this occasion, how regretable it is
that the same disposition with which the cabinet of Washington is,
without any doubt, animated, should not yet have assured the
indemnifications, so equitably due to so many French residents, for
injuries of all kinds, which they have suffered in the United
States.
Accept, sir, the assurances of the high consideration with which I
have the honor to be, your very humble and very obedient
servant,
Mr. Dayton,
Minister, &c., &c., &c.
