Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton
Sir: Your despatch of February 5, No. 411, has been received. It presents in a very clear and satisfactory manner the present state of the debate which you are carrying on with the French government concerning the Rappahannock, the iron-clads, and the attitude of France in regard to the United States as a maritime power engaged in suppressing an insurrection. These important questions have been so fully considered in recent despatches that it only remains for me now to approve the positions you have assumed in your recent communications with M. Drouyn de l’Huys and with the Emperor. One by one the majestic schemes of the insurgents come to naught. Two months ago a naval war seemed to have been prepared to be waged against us simultaneously from the British coasts and the shores of the British North American provinces, extending from the straits of Bellisle to the islands in the Carribean sea. Recent events seem to have exploded these views of a comprehensive naval campaign. The Chesapeake is restored, and her captors delivered to us as pirates. Still Great Britain and France persist in regarding the insurgents as a naval belligerent. It is not easy to see why the maritime powers persevere in derogating us from our true position until we shall have re-established it by another costly effort without incurring any obligations to them for their favor as friendly states.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William L. Dayton Esq., &c., &c., &c.