Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: Mr. Drouyn de l’Huys informs me that in a recent interview with Arman, the ship-builder at Bordeaux, he, Arman, asssured him that not only the iron-clad vessels he was building at Bordeaux but the other four vessels (two at Nantes and two at Bordeaux) would certainly be disposed of to neutral governments in such manner as to relieve France from any trouble or responsibility on the subject. These vessels, I may add, are in the steady course of construction, the work being constantly advanced upon them.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.