Robert Murray to E. M. Archibald, March 1, 1864

Mr. Murray to Mr. Archibald.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a note addressed to you by J. Barrett, one of the crew of the Antonica, and which communication has been referred to me for explanation.

In reply to the complaints made in that letter by Barrett, that his money had been taken from him, I have to state, that on the arrival of the crew of the Antonica at this port I addressed a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, calling the attention of the department to the fact that the various commanders of the blockading squadron had taken the money belonging to the men, and requesting that some action be taken in the matter. The department at once issued orders to the commander of the squadron to collect these funds and remit them to Washington. This was done, and the department, under date of the 20th instant, has informed me of the arrival of the money at Washington, and that it has been delivered into the custody of the prize court of that city. I have already informed Captain Adair, of the Antonica, of this fact, and suppose he has communicated the same to the men.

Very respectfully, &c., &c., &c.,