Forsyth to Rear-Admiral Sir B. Walker, November 15, 1863

Captain Forsyth to Rear-Admiral Sir B. Walker.

Sir: In compliance with orders contained in your letter of the 7th instant, I put to sea in her Majesty’s ship, under my command, at 8.30 p. m, the same evening. On the afternoon of the 10th I arrived at Angra Pequena. Finding no vessels at that anchorage, I despatched boats to the islands in the vicinity, and also to the main land, to make inquiries respecting the movements of the United States war-steamer Vanderbilt. The result was that, from information obtained from four men engaged in collecting guano, she had anchored there on the 30th ultimo, and found the English bark Saxon, belonging to Messrs. Saxon, Anderson & Co., of Cape Town, taking in wool, she immediately seized and took forcible possession of the same. It was alleged as the reason for so doing, that she (the Saxon) had on board wool that had been previously disembarked by the Tuscaloosa, prize to the confederate war-steamer Alabama. The crew of the captured vessel, with the exception of the mate, who was shot, (but under what circumstances I could not ascertain,) was put on board the British schooner Isabel, in order to be forwarded to Cape Town. The Saxon left the 1st instant—it is reported for New York.

Early on the morning of the 11th I proceeded to the island of Ichaboe, and there heard that the Vanderbilt sailed from Angra Pequena on the 2d, after having taken on board coals that were deposited at Penguin island in that harbor, the property of Saxon, Anderson & Co. I was also informed that the Isabel had gone to the northward on the coast completing her cargo, preparatory to her return to Cape Town. From orders precluding my searching further to the northward for the Vanderhilt than Ichaboe island, I made the best of my way to rejoin your flag, and beg to report my arrival here this morning.

I have &c.,