Anderson, Saxon & Co to Rear-Admiral Sir B. Walker, November 6, 1863

Messrs. Saxon and Co. to Rear-Admiral Sir B. Walker.

Sir: We have the honor to report that the schooner Atlas, belonging to the second undersigned, arrived at this port on the 4th instant; and the master reports that he was boarded a few days previous in sight of the coast by an armed boat from the United States steamer Vanderbilt, and that he was called upon by the officer in charge and made to show his log-book and papers; after which the vessel’s cabin and hold were searched throughout, and the vessel detained a considerable time.

The master of the Atlas further reports that the officer in charge inquired respecting the movements of the vessels on the coast, and mentioning the names of two belonging to us that are at present loading guano at the British island of Ichaboe, and stating his intention of subjecting those vessels to the same ordeal and indignities.

We would respectfully solicit your excellency that this is most unusual conduct on the part of a foreign vessel of war on a colonial coast, and as this is calculated very seriously to interfere with British commerce, we would solicit your taking such steps as to you may be considered best.

We have &c.,