Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: In despatch No. 508 I informed you that an order for the sale of the confederate ship Rappahannock had been made by the Tribunal of Commerce of Boulogne. This was so, but on the very day named for the sale an order came down, as I am informed by our consul at Calais, prohibiting the sale and all other civil proceedings against this ship. Since this, I am informed that the crew then on board the Rappahannock has been discharged, and the most of them have gone to England. That there now remain on board of her a guard or watch of about five men and two officers only. The vessel is a miserable affair at best.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.