Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: M. Drouyn de l’Huys having returned to Paris, I yesterday saw him for the first time in some weeks.
Although I had informed him immediately after the fight between the Kearsarge and Alabama that I, as the representative of our government, condemned the paroling of the prisoners taken by the Kearsarge on that occasion, and had so informed the captain of the Kearsarge; yet, in obedience to your instructions subsequently received, I again said to him that our government disapproved and repudiated the action of Captain Winslow in that respect, and had instructed Mr. Adams to communicate such disapproval to the British government, and in like manner had instructed me to communicate such disapproval to this government.
That the government of the United States had not admitted, and would not admit, directly or inferentially, that the Alabama was a regular ship-of-war. So far, therefore, as the error of Captain Winslow can be corrected by the action of this legation, or by your department, it seems to me it has been done.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.