Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward
Sir: Mr. John de la Montagnie, consul at Nantes, informs me that the government has censured him for not reporting to it the confederate ships being built at that place. I deem it but just to Mr. de la Montagnie to say he has been exceedingly diligent and constant in his reports to this legation. I requested him, at an early day, to keep me well advised of everything of interest with these vessels, that I might be in condition at any moment to appeal to the French government. This he has faithfully done. It is true I did not anticipate that he would altogether cease his reports to the government at home; but I suppose he thought I would myself report, as I have done, all in reference to these ships and their progress which I thought the government would care to know, and he has doubtless supposed additional reports from him were unnecessary.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.