Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have explained to M. Drouyn de l’Huys the reason why it would not be agreeable, at the present time, to permit French officers to visit and make observations within the lines of the army of the Potomac, and have stated to him, confidentially, the reason why you had suspended the leave granted to take the tobacco from Richmond. He seemed satisfied with the explanations in both cases, especially as I told him the leave was not absolutely withdrawn, but only suspended. He said, in reference to the tobacco, that the fault had been partly their own, inasmuch as they had been guilty of unnecessary delay in acting upon the privilege we had extended to them. He said that they should have sent their vessels sooner.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.