CADWALLADER, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, Chief Quartermaster Depot to Francis Barclay, January 16, 1865

Mr. Green to Mr. Barclay

Sir: The seizure of the stocks of cotton in this place may now be said to be completed, by the presence of Mr. Collector Draper, of New York, to whom General Sherman is transferring the property.

In a written application to the officers named in enclosed “special notice,” I stated that as the cotton held by and belonging to me was of the crops of 1860-61, the bales were in many cases in need of repair and re-marking, the planters’ brands having become indistinct, and I asked permission to make the repairs and marks. The reply was that I might put what repairs on the bales I pleased, prior to shipment, but that no re-marking or putting private marks on the bales would be permitted.

His excellency Lord Lyons has already been asked by the British members of the Chamber of Commerce of this city to apply to the United States government to stay the shipment of cotton being British property. If this cannot be done, will you solicit his excellency to request on behalf of British subjects:—

1. That they may be allowed to put private marks on their cotton prior to shipment by the Treasury Department.

2. That receipts in original and duplicate may be given to British owners, reciting—

1. The private marks of the cotton. 1. The number of bales and description of the cotton, whether upland or sea island; and, 1. The name of the vessel by which the cotton is taken away.

His lordship’s early attention to this may avert very great losses, and in some instances ruin, to British subjects in Georgia.

I am, &c.,

CHARLES GREEN.

Anthony Barclay, Esq.,

Depositary of the papers of the British consulate.

Unable to obtain the advantage of Mr. Barclay’s attention to this communication to-day, and the necessity for prompt action being imminent, Mr. Green takes the liberty of forwarding to Lord Lyons himself. The mails only go to New York weekly.

Special Notice.

Office Chief Quartermaster Depot, Savannah, Georgia, January 6, 1865.

All persons having cotton in their possession now stored in this city are hereby notified to call at this office forthwith and register the same, stating the amount, where stored, and by whom owned.

By order of Brigadier General L. C. Easton, chief quartermaster.