Dudley to James E. Harvey, March 21, 1865

Mr. Dudley to Mr. Harvey

Sir: I wrote you on Sunday last about the English schooner Delgada taking anchors and cable for two steamers at Ferrol. I learn this morning that the Delgada has proved to be too small, and that the schooner Merton Castle is to be substituted in her place. The captain of the former vessel told one of my men that a part of the anchors and cable, together with the stores, were for the rebel iron-clad Stonewall, now at Ferrol, and that another vessel was to be there, to which the balance is to be transferred. I learn from other sources that this is true. She will sail, so far as I learn, on purpose to supply this vessel and some other rebel vessels which she is to meet. She is to take ten large anchors and two hundred fathoms of large and heavy chain cable. I infer from what the captain says, as well as from the quantity of anchors and cable, that there is another iron-clad somewhere afloat intended for the rebels. The English brig Fairline, in command of Captain Savage, also mentioned in my letter of Sunday last, cleared and sailed this morning for Lisbon. She has eight large guns, with equipments, fixtures, &c., each weighing eight and a half tons—I think one-hundred-pounders—and about fifty cases of clothing, small-arms, and supplies; one hundred tons of shot and shell intended for the guns, and a quantity of coal, all intended for some war vessel. The man who had the charge of shipping them told one of my men they were for the Spanish government. If this is so, why do they clear her for Lisbon? From what I learn from outside sources, I think they are intended for some piratical vessel built in Europe for the confederates. I have but little doubt about it. Look out for her, and inform our consuls at all seaport towns.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,