Ivens to Charles Munro, March 29, 1865

Mr. Ivens to Mr. Munro

My Dear Sir: In reply to your request to be informed of anything I know regarding the affair between the United States ship Niagara and Belem castle, I beg to say that I went on board said steamer between 3 and 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon with my two sons, for the purpose of ascertaining what coals she might require; when I spoke to Mr. Roberts, the chief engineer, he told me that he could only state the quantity exactly, when she got to her anchorage near the city; and as she was then under steam, and about to leave her moorings, he told us we had better get into our boat at once, which we did. I then steered for the Sacramento, and after a few minutes I heard a gun, followed immediately by another, and looking round I saw a shot or two strike the water, and in a short time two or three, or more, one of which passed the Niagara and struck on the shore, on the south side, near Porto Brandao, or the Lazaretto, when the Niagara’s head was that way far over on the south side, viz., her head and stern across the river; this was the last shot I saw fired.

I must mention also that at the second or third shot the Niagara dipped her colors; I must also state that, as the tide was coming in, her head was necessarily turned down river, therefore she could not make the turn without steaming a little way ahead.

I remain, my dear sir, faithfully yours,