Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 10th of June instant, No. 486.
In that paper you state that you have received information in a private way that suggestions for another effort are about being made between England and France to bring about peace in our country.
I am disinclined to believe that your information is accurate.
It will, however, be easy for you to ascertain by inquiry of M. Drouyn de l’Huys. You are at liberty, but are not required to do this. If you find any reason to believe the report to be correct, you will then inform M. Drouyn de l’Huys that the United States adhere to their determination heretofore announced, namely: to be, exclusive of all foreign nations, the arbiter of their own rights and duties in the present civil war.
A copy of your note and of this reply will be transmitted to Mr. Adams, and he will be authorized in his discretion to speak in the same sense to Earl Russell.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton Esq., &c., &c., &c.