EDGECOMB, United States Consul to Sir Henry Barkly, October 16, 1871

[739] Sir: I have the honor to bring to your notice that the Department of State, Washington, has called upon me to collect information relative to the proceedings of the confederate vessels which touched at the Cape during the years 1863 and 1864, more especially those of the Alabama. I find I cannot obtain particulars of the stores and coals supplied to the latter vessel except from the custom-house records. I therefore request that you will be so good as to direct a return to be made of all supplies which have been shipped on board the Alabama or other confederate vessels, specifying the quantity entered to *each, and by whom supplied. I shall feel much obliged by your early compliance with this request.

I have the honor to be, sir, &c.,