Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams, January 11, 1864

Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams.

Sir: I transmit copies of certain letters which
were found on board the prize steamers R.E. Lee and Cornubia, and which
conclusively show that the British vessels now engaged in attempted
violations of the blockade are not neutral vessels, but are really rebel
transports, fraudulently despatched and sailing under the British flag.
You will have the goodness to place copies of these papers in the hands
of Earl Russell. The originals are on file in the office of the clerk of
the United States district court of Massachusetts.

You will submit to Earl Russell the inquiry, whether the developments
thus brought to his knowledge do not require some modification of the
policy hitherto maintained by her Majesty’s government in regard to the
political controversy which this government is so diligently engaged in
endeavoring to bring to an end, favorable to the interests of both
countries and to the cause of humanity. At least her Majesty’s
government cannot be surprised that, with the knowledge now possessed by
this government, the policy hitherto pursued by the United States in
regard to assaults of the blockade will be modified.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

Mr. Dana to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith
copies of letters found on board the prize steamers E. E. Lee and
Cornubia, which I thought might be useful to you as proofs in cases
of alleged building and equipping of vessels for the rebel
government in England.

The originals are on file in court, and, if needed, can be sent to
our minister in England.

Letters found on board show that the R. E. Lee, Cornubia, and Ella
and Anna, and others of their class, are the property of the
confederate government, commanded by commissioned officers; and I
enclose a copy of a letter, showing that they are instructed to
conceal their true character in neutral ports, in order to avoid the
rules applied to public vessels of belligerents.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Messrs. Alexander Collie &
Brother to Captain J.
Wilkinson.

Dear Sir: In the event of the Giraffe
being sent back to England with cotton or other produce, we will
be very glad to take charge of her and to dispose of the cargo
on account of the confederate government; and if a further
supply of boats or other articles be required from this country,
we place our services in the purchase and shipping of these
goods at the disposal of the government. The experience we have
gained of the wants of the army and navy, and the knowledge we
have of the qualities of the various articles required for their
use, fits us, we believe, to execute such orders in a manner
which will be in every way satisfactory. Wishing you a pleasant
and a successful voyage,

We are, dear sir, yours, very faithfully,

ALEXANDER COLLIE & BRO.

Captain J. Wilkinson, Confederate States Navy.

The above is a copy of a letter found on board the prize steamer
R. E. Lee, of which Wilkinson was commander at the time.

Mr. I. Gorgas to Captain Commanding Cornubia.

Sir: For special reasons it is deemed
advisable that our steamers engaged in running the blockade
should not carry pennants or other insignia of vessels of war.
You are requested, when in foreign ports, to carefully guard
against all acts tending in any manner to cause issuance of
orders by the authorities curtailing the facilities and
privileges our vessels now enjoy. Your conduct should be such as
to leave the impression that your steamer does not belong to the
government, but is simply’ used by it as a carrier.

Your obedient servant,

I. GORGAS, Colonel and Chief of
Ordnance.

To Captain
Commanding Cornubia.

Original found on board the prize steamer Cornubia.

Mr. James Ash to Edgar Stringer, Esq.

Dear Sir: In answer to your inquiry,
whether the contract I now send you in will be in force for
three months from the 25th October, 1863, I beg leave to say it
will, and that I am prepared to build three steamers of same
dimensions at the same price, to be delivered you ready for
furnishing for sea at the expiration of four months from the
date of my receiving deposit instalment from you.

In handing you the model for the construction of the navy in
Richmond, I shall, of course, be fully prepared to adopt any
suggestions he may make, and to alter the boat according.

The price which you paid me for the steamers now building,
particularly the Nutfield, is dearer, considering that she is of
less horse-power, than the offer I am now making you, as well as
being larger; and you must also take into consideration that I
am binding myself for three months hence, which I would not do
except for the desire I have of doing more business for you.

I am, dear sir, yours faithfully,

JAMES ASH, Iron
Shipbuilder.

Mr. John S. Seward to
Messrs. Stringer, Pembroke &
Co.

Gentlemen: I will undertake to supply
you with marine screw engines for line-of-battle ships or rams,
from 200 horse-power to 400 horse-power, for the sum of
forty-eight pounds ten shillings per hundred pounds, to be made
of the best material and
workmanship; all the pipes to be copper; engine bearings moving
in the best gun metal, or white metal if approved, to be
furnished to the entire satisfaction of any person the
mercantile marine company or yourselves may appoint; and I also
agree to make the engines from plans and specifications to be
sent home from the confederate government’s engineer, and to be
finished in six to eight months from date of order. I also agree
to send out men, if required, to place the engines in the
respective ships, at the confederate government’s expense.

I am, gentlemen, yours truly,

JNO. S. SEWARD.