John Bigelow to William H. Seward, February 3, 1865

Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have received from our consul at Nantes the testimony of two sailors employed on board the steam-tug Expeditif when she was sent with coals to the ram Olinde and to bring off her Danish crew. A translation is enclosed.

I also enclose a despatch received from our consul at Elsinore, in reply to one addressed by me to him a few days since, which confirms the information I had received that the Stoerkodder left full of coals; but it reveals another fact which may prove of grave importance. The Olinde seems to have taken in only thirty tons of coal in Denmark. If so, it is to be presumed that she left Bordeaux loaded with coal, and if so, the presumption is that her delivery to the confederates, as it has occurred, was planned before her departure from France. I shall pursue this inquiry diligently.

I shall request our minister at Lisbon, by this evening’s mail, to put himself in such relation with the French minister at that court as to secure the co-operation of the French government in any efforts he may find it advantageous to make for the seizure of the Olinde, should she appear in Portuguese waters. I am, sir, with great respect, your very obedient servant,

[Enclosure No. 2]

United States Consul, Paris:

Stoerkodder on outward clearance; thirty tons coal exported; previous stock on board un-known; went into Christians and, also to the Texel, January 19; left 21st for Bordeaux.