John de la Montagnie to Wm. L. Dayton , United States, August 29, 1864

Mr. John de la Montagnie to Mr. Dayton

Sir: In continuation of my reports concerning the rebel ships at St. Nazaire I learn that, one day last week, thirty-five tons of the bituminous mixture for firing steamers was put on board the San Francisco, and during a day her machinery was kept working. She also sailed about the dock. I am informed, by a person who was aboard, that the machinery worked well, giving satisfaction. This coal was put on board from the wharf, the vessel coming along side of it. She now occupies the outside position in the dock, and could go to sea in five or ten days, if pressed.

I am informed by a French pilot, who is now on board the Iroquois permanently, and who, at my request, with the consent of Captain Rodgers, went on board the Shanghai yesterday at 11 o’clock, that he was informed by the keeper that Mr.———, (he could not recall the name,) the American in command of the work on the ships, (doubtless Hansenson,) had given him positive orders to let no one on board while the northern corvette was in port; that the ships would both be ready to sail in a month; that they were to have nineteen cannon, 120-pounders; two were to point through tie stern lights of the captain’s cabin, eight were to be on each side, and pivot on the forecastle deck. He said they had not been, and would not be, sold; they were confederate ships. This keeper did not know my informant was pilot of the Iroquois, nor that he had any connexion with me. I give this information as I received it. He must be mistaken about the calibre of the cannon. I omitted to say that the keeper added that they were to go to Sweden for their guns.

As soon as it was known at St. Nazaire that an American war ship was in sight, the ports were all closed, and mats were hung along the wharf side of the ship. The gate upon the shore plank was shut, and orders given to admit none but workmen aboard. This Frenchman only got on board through the name of his cousin, who rigged the ships. The rigger’s name is Mogart, of Cherbourg. The pilot said Mogart said that he was working for and paid by the confederate authorities. The pilot could not tell me from whom his cousin Mogart received his pay. Could you, sir, send me a copy of the diplomatic correspondence for the last year, which contains Mr. Seward’s instructions to Mr. Adams concerning the iron-clads of England? I have not yet received a copy, and had promised it to Captain Rodgers, thinking I had one. He desired to know what had been the determination of our government about that matter.

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