Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: At a special interview accorded to me on Saturday last, M. Drouyn de l’Huys informed me, not only that those two iron-clads, now being constructed [Page 86] by Arman, at Bordeaux, under contract with the confederates, had been positively sold to a neutral power, but he assured me distinctly that the four clipper ships in the course of construction at Bordeaux and Nantes, under a like contract, should not be delivered to the confederates. As two of these vessels are approaching completion, I confess I was much gratified by receiving this distinct assurance. His language was most explicit, and I thanked him accordingly.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.