Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part III

Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward

No. 435.]

Paris, March 17, 1864.

Sir: Your despatches Nos. 482, 485, 487, 488, 490, 492, 493, and 494, are received, and their contents severally noted.

I am glad to find by these despatches that my action in regard to the Rappahannock has anticipated the wishes of my government, and I am pleased to inform you that this vessel has not as yet been permitted to go to sea. She is still in the port of Calais.

It may not be amiss to inform you that, there is a large number of officers of the confederate navy in and about Paris; they seem to be awaiting events which shall determine whether they will be successful in getting out to sea vessels they have contracted for in England and France

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WM. L. DAYTON.

Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.