Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: Your despatch of February 5 has been received. M. F. Maury’s allegation that the report bearing the name of S. R. Mallory is spurious does not adequately impeach that document. It came to us in the same manner as the other pretended state papers of the insurgents. It betrayed facts and designs afterwards fully revealed, which, at the date of the papers, must have been known to the insurgent leaders, and yet of which no person not in their councils could be informed. The paper is characteristic of its assumed author. It has circulated in this country two months, and its importance, in the views of this government and of the country, has been fully indicated; yet it has not been disavowed nor its authenticity been questioned here to the knowledge of this [Page 44] department. The pretence that insurgent newspapers are similated here is purely absurd, under the circumstances. The merely unauthorized denial of its genuineness by M. F. Maury in London is deemed unworthy of consideration.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton Esq., &c., &c., &c.