Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 20th of June, No. 492.
I thank you sincerely for the very interesting and detailed account which you have given me of the engagement between the Kearsarge and the Alabama, which ended in the destruction of that troublesome piratical vessel.
I approve of all that you have done in relation to that affair, and especially of your instructions to Captain Winslow in regard to the captured crew of the Alabama. This government regards with eminent satisfaction the heroism and skill which were exhibited by Captain Winslow, and the officers and men under his command, and the whole country awards to them tributes of praise and gratitude.
Nevertheless we hear, with deep regret, that Captain Winslow, without waiting for your reply to his inquiries on the subject, paroled and released most of the prisoners which fell into his hands. The President’s disapproval of that important proceeding will be made known to the captain through the Navy Department. It will be your duty to inform M. Drouyn de l’Huys of that disapproval in order to prevent injurious inferences which otherwise might be drawn from the transaction. You will at the same time inform M. Drouyn de l’Huys that this government does not regard the Alabama, nor any other vessel wearing the same character, as belonging to a recognized or lawful belligerent.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton Esq., &c., &c., &c.