EDGECOMB, United States Consul to Sir Henry Barkly, October 21, 1871

[741] Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th instant, in answer to mine of the 9th. I regret that you can give me no information concerning the transactions of the Alabama, and other confederate vessels at this and other ports of the colony, during the years 1863 and 1864. By referring to the Cape Argus of September 22, 1863, I find that the Alabama was in Simons Bay, and that Captain Semmes reports that he is expecting the steamer Kadie from Table Bay with 200 tons of coals. I also learn that the Kadie did clear from this port on the 17th of September, *1863, with 180 tons of coals and other stores for Simons Bay, and that the coals and stores were put on board the Alabama at the latter port. On application being made at the custom-house (by a person employed by me) to examine the manifest of steamer Kadie, it was refused unless he could show an order from you. Will you please to order a copy of manifest from this port and Simons Town, for my use.

I have the honor, sir, &c.,