Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: Your despatch, No. 592, refers to a prior despatch of mine, No. 486, in which I state that a private communication had reached me, stating that a new but entirely unofficial effort was to be made by England and France to bring our war to a close. I know of nothing which could specially lead to such a belief; but the party who made the statement I know to be in constant communication with the government here, and even with M. Drouyn de l’Huys, and he gave me the statement, not as a rumor, but as a fact entirely reliable. He said at the same time that should I speak to M. Drouyn de l’Huys on the subject, he would deny all knowledge of it; as well he might, having no official knowledge of it, and no official action being in the first place contemplated.
* * * * * * * *
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward &c., &c., &c.