James E. Harvey to William H. Seward, October 4, 1862

Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward.

Sir: A telegram from the United States consul at Gibraltar, in reply to an inquiry from me, has just come to hand, which relieves anxiety in regard to the movements of the United States steamer Tuscarora. It now appears that she started for the Azores on Tuesday, the 30th ultimo.

The hope is entertained that the two steamers and sloops-of-war which have gone in pursuit of the piratical cruiser Alabama may overtake her and inflict the punishment which a succession of crimes has provoked and deserved. I feel quite confident that the presence of our vessels-of-war at the islands will at least have the effect of preventing further depredations upon American commerce there.

I am informed that the United States storeship Release, which was speedily sent from Fayal, by our consul there, to notify the commanders of the Tuscarora and Kearsarge of the outrages, has arrived at Cadiz. As a knowledge of the facts had reached me previously, all the measures of relief had already been anticipated and adopted.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,