Mr. Pike to Mr. Seward
Sir: * * * * * * * *
I received information a few days ago from Mr. Dayton, at Paris, that one of the corvettes (the Yeddo) built at Bordeaux, and supposed to be for the rebels, left that port for Amsterdam on the 22d instant, the allegation being that the vessel had been purchased by an Amsterdam house. It is now one week since the ship left Bordeaux, but she has not yet arrived. It is my impression she did not put to sea with any intention of coming hither, if she is really intended for the rebels, though Mr. Dayton seems to be of a different opinion. The voyage ought to be performed in three or four days under steam. I have requested this government, in case any such vessel shall appear in Netherland waters, and a Dutch register be applied for, that it shall not be granted, nor the ship be allowed to leave under the Netherland flag, unless her owners shall first remove all suspicion that she is designed to make war on the United States. This government is well disposed towards us.
The London conference, you will have observed, after approaching, considering, and seemingly well-nigh adopting the plan of dividing Schleswig, as a basis of peace, have finally broken up without doing anything towards its restoration. Its proceedings are a sorry commentary upon the modern idea of settling national disputes by arbitration.
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I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.