ARNOLD, Lieutenant Commander to James F. Armstrong, September 28, 1862

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Sir: In obedience to your order of this date, we have visited the English steamer Sunbeam and made a careful examination of her. So far as we can ascertain, there is nothing in her condition which rendered it necessary to approach this port. She is well found in every particular, so far as masts, sails, rigging, water, and provisions are concerned, and being a sailing vessel with a screw auxiliary, we can see no reason for her being in this locality. She was captured under the guns of Fort Fisher while endeavoring to run the blockade.

Very respectfully, your obedient servants,