Mr. Dayton to Mr.
Seward
No. 346.]
Paris,
September 17, 1863.
Sir: Herewith I send you the translation of a
letter from Mr. Kenos, our consular representative at Brest. From this
and from other information which
[Page 772]
I have received, it would seem that the Florida will not be detained
in port as long as we have heretofore had reason to suppose; that she
may leave in the course of two or three weeks.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State,
&c.
[Translation.—Enclosure.]
Consular Agency of the United
States,
Brest, September 15,
1863.
Monsieur le Ministre: The reparations of
the Florida go on with great speed, and this steamer will not be
long before again going to sea.
It is pretended that the seizures, operated on account of the
misdoings of the Florida, are not all regular, and will not stop
her.
On the other hand, the commander, Maffitt, as well as his officers,
declares that they fear no cruiser—that they will be able to avoid
it.
It is presumable that the Florida will hereafter be detained but a
short time in port.
I am, with respect, your excellency’s very obedient servant,
His Excellency William L. Dayton, Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States,
Paris.
