Fred’k Elliot to Charles A. Hammond, December 24, 1863

Mr. Elliot to Mr. Hammond.—(Received December 24.)

Sir: I am directed by the Duke of Newcastle to transmit to you, for the consideration of Earl Russell, copies of two despatches from the governor of the Cape of Good Hope, with a copy of another from the governor of St. Helena, respecting the movements and proceedings of the United States sloop-of-war Vanderbilt.

By two of these despatches it will be seen that there is ground to apprehend that this sloop has seized a British vessel unlawfully. The next despatches from the Cape may be expected to bring fuller particulars and more direct evidence, but in the meanwhile the Duke of Newcastle loses no time in putting Earl Russell in possession of so much information as has yet been received on the subject.

I am, &c.,

For enclosure 6 in No. 2, Captain Forsyth to Rear-Admiral Sir B. Walker, November 15, 1863, see enclosure 2 in No. 1.