Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: Your despatches, from No. 669 to No. 683, both inclusive, have been duly received.
I am especially glad to find that you so cordially approve my action in reference to the vessels which have been so long in the course of construction for the confederates at Bordeaux and Nantes. I accepted the assurance of this government that they should not be delivered to the confederates, as well from respect to this government as from sound policy. We have no force here which could at all interfere with the French iron-clads, with which it was threatened to convoy them if necessary on their trial trips, and it was certainly bad policy to get in difficulty with this government on such a question if we could avoid it. But the corvettes at Nantes have now made their trial trips and returned into port.
One of them, our consul at that port reports to me, made fourteen and a half knots, and the other sixteen knots per hour, an extraordinary speed. Peru, it is said, is yet negotiating for one or both of them. Commodore Craven, of the United States ship Niagara, has been to see me, according to orders recently sent from Mr. Welles. I have informed him of the present condition of things in respect to these vessels, and the understanding between myself and this government, which had been approved by you. Indeed, I have read to him your despatch No. 681. He will, therefore, not feel it his duty, under the circumstances, to attempt to seize either of those vessels built at Nantes. The description of these vessels made to you, and a copy of which you have forwarded to me, to be shown to M. Drouyn de l’Huys, is, in the existing condition of things, of no use. You will recollect, too, that I have already on my files a copy of the contract under which these vessels are built, and, of course, much more accurate than any description, made by a casual visitor on an outside inspection, can possibly be. Of this contract you have long had a copy on the files of the State Department, and M. Drouyn de l’Huys has likewise a copy on his files. Some person or persons are constantly writing descriptions and information about these vessels, which are not of the slightest service, and of which to suppose us ignorant is to suppose our consul at Nantes (a most intelligent and trustworthy officer) inattentive to the most obvious requirements of official duty.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.