RICE, Consul to William Hunter, November 13, 1871

Mr. Rice to Mr. Hunter.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the repairs to the United States frigate Guerriere having been completed, the water was let into the dock, and she was floated on the 14th ultimo. She left the dock on the 16th of last month, and was towed into the gulf, alongside of the United States sloop of war Shenandoah. Captain T. Blakely Creighton, who had been ordered from the United States by the Navy Department to take command of the Guerriere, proceeded immediately to give orders to take on board all her guns, ammunition, provisions, and other stores, and to coal ship, and, under orders from Rear-Admiral Charles Boggs, commanding the European squadron, to proceed to Nice, France. The Guerriere left here the evening of the 2d instant. I have also to report the departure of the United States sloop Shenandoah, commanded by Captain Clark H. Wells, on the 19th of October. I have also to report the arrival of the United States sloop of war Wachusett on the 18th of October; quarantined for two days; received pratique the 20th of October, and left the 25th of same month. It is my duty, as well as pleasure, to inform the Department in reference to the amount of work which has been executed within the naval arsenal at this place for repairing the frigate Guerriere, and for work done for other ships of our squadron. Vice-Admiral Cerruti and his successor, Rear-Admiral Isola, extended to us every facility within their power for a prompt reparation of our vessels. Everything was put at our disposition. There are four persons also who deserve from our Government thanks, at least, if not more, for services rendered:

Commendatore Mecheli, naval constructor at this place; Lieutenant De Leva, in charge of equipment and repair in this arsenal; Captain Miloro, who commanded the station war-steamer Cambria, and who went to Vada Rocks and assisted in getting the Guerriere off the rocks, and afterward towed her to Spezia, and Sub-Lieutenant Rocca, admiral’s secretary and paymaster. I wish the State Department would kindly place this matter before the Navy Department, so that proper attention may be made to the uninterested exertions of these gentlemen.

I am. &c.,