Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have this morning called the attention of Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys to the evidence showing that at least four, if not five, ships are being built in the ship-yards of Bordeaux and Nantes for the confederates. This evidence is the same as that sent to you from the Paris consulate, and which I referred to in my despatch No. 344. It is conclusive, I think, as to the facts charged. Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys expressed himself as greatly surprised, and I doubt not he was so. He assured me he had no knowledge of anything of the kind, and that the government would maintain its neutrality. He thanked me for calling his [Page 774] attention promptly to this matter, the importance of which he fully recognized. He requested copies of the original papers; said that he would at once investigate the facts and the French legislation bearing on the question, and then let me know what would be done.
It seems to me that their action on this subject is likely to afford a pretty good test of their future intentions. As to what the law may be it does not, I apprehend, much matter: if they mean that good relations with our country shall be preserved, they will stop the building of these ships, or at least the arming and delivery of them; if they mean to break with us, they will let them go on.
The United States ship Kearsarge, Captain Winslow, arrived in the port of Brest yesterday.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c.