James Campbell to William W. Thomas, April 6, 1865

Mr. Campbell to Mr. Thomas, Jr

Sir: The following extracts are made from a letter received this day from Hon. Bradford R. Wood, United States minister resident, Copenhagen, and dated April 1, 1865, viz:

“Confederate agents have been prowling around this city, and, I suppose, looking out for some vessel that will do for a pirate, and which they would expect to get out as a merchant vessel and arm at sea. I have been informed that Waddell, the captain of the late Florida, is here, and that he dropped the remark that he might go to Sweden; in other words, go where he might find such a ship as he wanted. I am not sufficiently acquainted with Swedish ports or Swedish commerce to indicate what place he would go to, &c. As it is no longer as easily as formerly to equip pirates in England, the confederates are now, I think, turning their attention to the smaller maritime powers, &c. I should think Gothenburg a port, or one of the ports, most likely to be visited by the confederates.”

As the operations of the insurgent’s agents may extend to your neighborhood, I have deemed it advisable to call your attention to this information, and to request of you (that which I know the interests of the United States will always receive at your hands without any request of mine) especial care and watchfulness in this regard. If necessary, my aid with the government officials here can be invoked by telegraph or otherwise, as you may deem best. I have written to the consuls of the United States at Bergen and Porsgrund on this subject.

What is the prospect of emigration to the United States from your part of Sweden for the approaching season? Be pleased to let me know.

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,