Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton.

[Extract.]

No. 30.]

Sir: * * * * * * * *

The President is not impatient about the negotiations concerning neutral rights. We trust that we have kept our own position right and clear.

You will probably find some anxiety on the part of the French government concerning a law which has passed Congress authorizing the President [Page 236] to close the ports held by the insurgents. I send you a copy of my instructions to Mr. Adams on that subject, which you will receive for your own government in that matter.

* * * * * * * * *

I am, &c.,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

William L. Dayton, Esq., &c., &c., &c.