GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy to William H. Seward, October 29, 1862

Mr. Welles to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a communication received from Rear Admiral Charles Wilkes, commanding the West India squadron, reporting the infraction of the neutrality regulations by the commander of her Britannic Majesty’s gunboat Bull Dog, in transporting officers from Nassau to Bermuda, in July last, on their way to England to take charge of vessels about to fit out there under the rebel flag.

Very respectfully,

Rear Admiral Wilkes to Mr. Welles.

Sir: I have to communicate to the department the infraction of the neutrality regulations by the commander of her Britannic Majesty’s gunboat Bull Dog, in transporting Captain Pegram and seven officers from Nassau to Bermuda, in July last, on their way to England to take charge of the 290, or other vessels about to fit out there under the secesh flag, and that I have but little doubt that the officials, both at Nassau and Bermuda, were aware of and assented to the violation. This information I have from most reliable authority—those who knew Captain Pegram and Lieutenant Bennett well, and witnessed their arrival at Bermuda and embarcation on board the mail packet for Halifax. They staid but a few hours at Bermuda.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,