Mr. Seward to Mr.
Dayton
No. 680.]
Department of State,
Washington,
October 15, 1864.
Sir: On the 7th instant I submitted to the
Secretary of Navy, for his concurrence, the draught of my despatch to
you (No. 675) relative to the adoption of precautionary measures in
regard to the two clipper ships at St. Nazaire believed to be building
for the insurgents.
I now give you a copy of Mr. Welles’s reply of the 10th instant, together
with a copy of his instructions to Commodore Craven, of the Niagara, and
Captain Walke, of the Sacramento.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Welles to Mr. Seward
Nayy Department,
Washington,
October 10, 1864.
Sir: I herewith return the draught of a
despatch proposed to be sent to Mr. Dayton, which accompanied your
letter of the 7th instant, concerning the two clipper ships at St.
Nazaire believed to bet building for the insurgents.
[Page 164]
The department is gratified to express its full concurrence in the
precautionary measures indicated, and instructions will be given to
our naval officers in European waters on the subject.
Very respectfully,
GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the
Navy.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
P. S.—I herewith enclose copy of instructions given to Commodore
Craven, of the Niagara, and Captain Walker, of the
Sacramento.
Mr. Welles to Commodore Craven
Navy Department,
Washington,
October 10,
1864.
Sir: From information received from a
reliable source it appears that there are two clipper ships
building at St. Nazaire, France, well adapted for war purposes,
and there is good reason to believe that they are designed for
the insurgents. Should these vessels be permitted to leave port
under such circumstances as to warrant the belief that they are
to make war against the United States, you will not hesitate to
seize them and send them into one of our ports for
adjudication.
The department desires you to place yourself in communication
with our minister at Paris, Mr. Dayton, respecting these
vessels, and regard any suggestions of his concerning them.
Very respectfully, &c.,
GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the
Navy.
Commodore T. T. Craven,
Comd’g U. S. S. Niagara, care of Hon. Mr.
Dayton, Paris.
