ELMER, Consul to William H. Seward, November 22, 1864

Mr. Elmer to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have the honor herewith to transmit the affidavit of George Goodrum, master of the schooner William L. Richardson, of San Francisco, concerning what I beg leave to express the hope that the government will decide to have been a violation of the rights of neutrals, and a case where ample reparation must be demanded.

I have satisfied myself, after a careful inquiry, that the powder was not to be landed upon the Mexican coast, and was shipped in good faith for a person living at Tucson, Arizona Territory.

Should any other testimony than that contained in the accompanying affidavit be required, I shall be able to forward it, as I have corroborating evidence on file, to be forwarded if called for.

I have retained a copy of the bill of lading, from which I extract the following as pertinent: “Shipped in good order and condition, by J. Underhill & Company, on board the schooner called the William L. Richardson, whereof George Goodrum is master, now lying in the port of San Francisco, and bound for the anchorage at the mouth of the Colorado river, to say, one hundred kegs powder, marked and numbered as in the margin, to wit: M. A. D., care J. Capron, Tucson, A. T.’ Freight on same fifty dollars.”

I also examined the manifest, and found the entry as stated in Mr. Goodrum’s affidavit. The powder was entered as such and consigned in the manner stated.

I also transmit an exact copy of the certificate given by the Frenchman in his own language; also a translated copy.

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Very respectfully, your obedient servant,