Mr. Dayton to Mr.
Seward.
No. 368.]
Paris,
October 23, 1863.
Sir: In my despatch No. 367, of yesterday, I
said that Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys had promised to me copies of the order of
the minister of marine withdrawing the authorization for the armament of
the rebel vessels at Nantes and Bordeaux, and of his note to the
minister. Instead thereof, I have this morning received a communication
from him announcing the withdrawal of such authorization and the serving
of notice upon Mr. Arman.
I herewith enclose a copy and translation of this communication.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.
P. S.—I observe that Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys in his note says that I
have affirmed the authenticity of the information furnished to him.
I believe it to be authentic, and I have so said, though, of course,
I have no personal knowledge of the handwriting of the parties whose
letters and contracts I have submitted to him. I have affirmed their
authenticity only as stated in my preceding despatches.
D.
[Translation.]
Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys to Mr. Dayton.
Sir: I have the honor to announce to you,
as a sequence to my letter of the 15th of this month, that M. the
minister of marine, has just notified Mr. Vorus of the withdrawal of
the authorization which he had obtained for the armament of four
vessels in course of construction at Nantes and Bordeaux. Notice has
also been given to Mr. Arman, whose attention has been at the same
time called to the responsibility which he might incur by acts in
opposition to our declaration of the 18th of June, 1861. These
measures testify, sir, to the scrupulous care which the government
of the Emperor brings to the observance of the rules of a strict
neutrality. It is in order to give to your government a new proof of
our dispositions in this respect, that we have not hesitated to take
into consideration the information, the authenticity of which you
have affirmed to me.
Accept the assurances of the high consideration with which I have the
honor to be, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant,
Mr. Dayton, Minister
of the United States at Paris.
