Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: Your despatches from No. 540 to 545, both inclusive, are received. Neither of these, however, seem to contemplate a reply.
Our consul at Nantes has for some time past been much excited by the knowledge that a shipment of cannon (62 in number) has been made by Mr. Voruz, of that place, on an English ship, (the Medusa,) which he believed were intended for the confederates, or at least for the armament of some of those vessels now being built for the confederates in French ports. These reports may have been communicated to your department, or to that of the navy. I take occasion, therefore, to inform you that I am satisfied this shipment of cannon has another destination than that of the insurgent States. I am confidentially informed that they are for a government of this continent, and need not occasion us any anxiety.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.