Mirrilees to J. Coppell, September 30, 1863

Mr. Mirrilees to Mr. Coppell.

Sir: At your request I subjoin the substance of a conversation which passed between Captain Woolsey, of the United States gunboat Princess Royal, and myself, on Saturday evening, the 26th instant, in the St. Charles Hotel, in this city.

The capture of the British steamship Sir William Peel having been intro duced, Captain Woolsey said that he regretted it very much, as he was satisfied that when captured by the Seminole there existed no just cause for such a proceeding, and that the United States had no plea for detaining the vessel, and would have to pay heavy damages; that the captain of the Seminole would or ought to be cashiered, as he had behaved in a most violent and unjustifiable manner, inasmuch as he knew that he (Captain Woolsey) had previously over hauled the Peel and found her all right.

It was further stated by Captain Woolsey that subsequent to the time that he had overhauled the steamer she had removed her position a mile or more further into Mexican waters, where she lay when captured.

I am, &c., &c.,