Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton.
Sir: Mr. Bigelow, the United States consul at Paris, has sent to me copies of papers which he informs me have been placed in your hands, and which seem to establish the fact that several iron-clad rams are being built, armed and equipped, in French ports, to proceed from them to make war upon the United States.
Mr. Bigelow further informs me that you are considering how to turn these proofs to the best account, and that this department will be advised promptly of your proceedings.
I hasten to say, that while the manner and form of your proceedings in the matter are left entirely within your own discretion, the President thinks you should lose no time unnecessarily in bringing the transaction to the notice of Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys, and in asking for the effectual interposition of the government to prevent the departure of the hostile expedition.
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Awaiting with much solicitude your report of your proceedings in regard to this new and somewhat startling plot,
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton, Esq., &c., &c.