F. H. Morse to Señor Don George Williamson, April 25, 1874

Captain Morse to Mr. Williamson.

Sir: I have the honor to advise your excellency that, owing to the large number of passengers, limited amount of coal, and scarcity of commissary stores, I have found it necessary to resume my voyage.

As Mr. Magee, for whose preservation I apprehend I am detained, is now safe, the cause of his danger having been removed, there seems now to be no urgent necessity for my remaining longer to the injury not only of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, but to each of my many passengers, as I am in no way responsible for the rash act of an unseen hand which will probably prove fatal to the commandante of the port, and no amount of precaution could have prevented it.

I had placed guards at every available point about the vessel with the view to guard against any such contingency.

Under these circumstances I feel confident that you will approve of my immediate departure, inasmuch as Mr. Magee dispatches the ship himself.

I am, your excellency’s obedient servant,