DANA, Jr ., United States Attorney to William H. Seward, December 28, 1863

Mr. Dana to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith copies of letters found on board the prize steamers E. E. Lee and Cornubia, which I thought might be useful to you as proofs in cases of alleged building and equipping of vessels for the rebel government in England.

The originals are on file in court, and, if needed, can be sent to our minister in England.

Letters found on board show that the R. E. Lee, Cornubia, and Ella and Anna, and others of their class, are the property of the confederate government, commanded by commissioned officers; and I enclose a copy of a letter, showing that they are instructed to conceal their true character in neutral ports, in order to avoid the rules applied to public vessels of belligerents.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Messrs. Alexander Collie & Brother to Captain J. Wilkinson.

Dear Sir: In the event of the Giraffe being sent back to England with cotton or other produce, we will be very glad to take charge of her and to dispose of the cargo on account of the confederate government; and if a further supply of boats or other articles be required from this country, we place our services in the purchase and shipping of these goods at the disposal of the government. The experience we have gained of the wants of the army and navy, and the knowledge we have of the qualities of the various articles required for their use, fits us, we believe, to execute such orders in a manner which will be in every way satisfactory. Wishing you a pleasant and a successful voyage,

We are, dear sir, yours, very faithfully,

ALEXANDER COLLIE & BRO.

Captain J. Wilkinson, Confederate States Navy.

The above is a copy of a letter found on board the prize steamer R. E. Lee, of which Wilkinson was commander at the time.

Mr. I. Gorgas to Captain Commanding Cornubia.

Sir: For special reasons it is deemed advisable that our steamers engaged in running the blockade should not carry pennants or other insignia of vessels of war. You are requested, when in foreign ports, to carefully guard against all acts tending in any manner to cause issuance of orders by the authorities curtailing the facilities and privileges our vessels now enjoy. Your conduct should be such as to leave the impression that your steamer does not belong to the government, but is simply’ used by it as a carrier.

Your obedient servant,

I. GORGAS, Colonel and Chief of Ordnance.

To Captain Commanding Cornubia.

Original found on board the prize steamer Cornubia.

Mr. James Ash to Edgar Stringer, Esq.

Dear Sir: In answer to your inquiry, whether the contract I now send you in will be in force for three months from the 25th October, 1863, I beg leave to say it will, and that I am prepared to build three steamers of same dimensions at the same price, to be delivered you ready for furnishing for sea at the expiration of four months from the date of my receiving deposit instalment from you.

In handing you the model for the construction of the navy in Richmond, I shall, of course, be fully prepared to adopt any suggestions he may make, and to alter the boat according.

The price which you paid me for the steamers now building, particularly the Nutfield, is dearer, considering that she is of less horse-power, than the offer I am now making you, as well as being larger; and you must also take into consideration that I am binding myself for three months hence, which I would not do except for the desire I have of doing more business for you.

I am, dear sir, yours faithfully,

JAMES ASH, Iron Shipbuilder.

Mr. John S. Seward to Messrs. Stringer, Pembroke & Co.

Gentlemen: I will undertake to supply you with marine screw engines for line-of-battle ships or rams, from 200 horse-power to 400 horse-power, for the sum of forty-eight pounds ten shillings per hundred pounds, to be made of the best material and workmanship; all the pipes to be copper; engine bearings moving in the best gun metal, or white metal if approved, to be furnished to the entire satisfaction of any person the mercantile marine company or yourselves may appoint; and I also agree to make the engines from plans and specifications to be sent home from the confederate government’s engineer, and to be finished in six to eight months from date of order. I also agree to send out men, if required, to place the engines in the respective ships, at the confederate government’s expense.

I am, gentlemen, yours truly,

JNO. S. SEWARD.