Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: I send herewith a statement which has been received from a very intelligent and perfectly reliable person, who is well known to this government. It contains the result of a careful observation of the clipper ships which are building at St. Nazaire for the rebels, and shows that they are but too well adapted to warlike purposes.
I have to desire that you will communicate the information contained in the paper to M. Drouyn de l’Huys, and ask for assurances that neither of the two vessels shall be permitted to leave port to make war against the United States. You will make known the result of this communication to me for the information of this government. It is hardly necessary to say that this government would receive with much satisfaction such explanations as will relieve us of the necessity of looking for these vessels on the high seas. The Secretary of the Navy will give proper instructions to our naval forces in European waters concerning the aforementioned vessels.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton, Esq., &c., &c., &c.