Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part III

Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton

No. 674.]

Department of State, Washington, October 4, 1864.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 15th ultimo, No. 540, relative to the vessels in progress at Bordeaux and Nantes for the insurgents, and to the interview had by you with M. Drouyn de l’Huys in regard to changes in the ownership of these vessels, in which you informed him that, as matters then stood, the United States government would feel authorized to seize them so soon as they appeared outside of French waters.

In reply, I have to state that your proceedings in the matter are approved.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

William L. Dayton, Esq., &c., &c., &c.