Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have just learned from our consular agents at Calais and Brest that the adoption of the “English rules” (excepting, I presume, as to the article of coal) has been notified to the authorities at those ports, which notice having [Page 45] been extended to the officers of the Florida and the Kearsarge, both these vessels have left the port of Brest. I have not, however, as yet seen any official announcement of the adoption of these rules.
By a letter just received from our consular agent at Calais, I am informed that the Kearsarge was yesterday at Dover, England.
The Rappahannock is yet detained in the port of Calais. I yesterday submitted to M. Drouyn de l’Huys the copy of another affidavit, of Charles Bennett, seaman, &c., sent to me from England, showing, among other things, that bull-rings, pieces of brass made to fit on the decks for the guns to travel on, enough for ten guns, and some copper fighting-bolts, which the guns rest upon to allow them to turn any way in use, being the necessary fitments for the guns to form the armament of the Rappahannock, has been received on board that vessel, while in the port of Calais.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.