Archibald to John Russell, 1st Earl Russell, December 23, 1863

Consul Archibald to Earl Russell.—(Received January 9.).

My Lord: I have the honor to transmit, herewith enclosed, for your lordship’s information, a copy of my despatch of this date to Lord Lyons, reporting the arrival at this port of the bark Saxon, in charge of a prize crew.

I have, &c.,

[Enclosure 2 in No. 5.]

Report of the capture of the Saxon.

THE BARK SAXON, CAPTURED ON THE WEST COAST OF AFRICA BY THE CRUISER VANDERBILT.

The bark Saxon, of Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope, arrived at this port last evening, from Angra Pequena, west coast of Africa, in charge of Acting Master E. S. Keyser, of the United States steamer Vanderbilt. The Saxon was captured by the Vanderbilt on the 28th of October, at the above place, about four hundred miles north of the Cape of Good Hope. She had on board part of the cargo of the bark Conrad, which vessel was captured by the privateer Alabama, and afterwards converted into the privateer Tuscaloosa. The cargo is principally wool.

The Saxon was formerly the American bark Lucy Johnson, of New London, but was wrecked at Table bay, and was subsequently purchased by Messrs. Anderson and Saxon, of Cape Town; she is about 250 tons burden.

The Vanderbilt also found at Penguin island 200 tons of coal, which had been left there for the benefit of the rebel privateers. It was confiscated by the captain of the Vanderbilt. All on board the Vanderbilt are well.