Romaine to P. S.—It is stated in the public papers that Penguin island, at Angra Pequena, near which the Saxon is said to have been seized, and whence the coal was taken by the Vanderbilt, is a British possession, and was annexed to the Cape Colony at the same time as Ichaboe, but of this circumstance I am not aware, my instructions being only to take possession of the island of Ichaboe, December 22, 1863

The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.—(Received December 23.)

Sir: I am commanded by my lords commissioners of the admiralty to send you herewith, for the information of Earl Russell, a copy of a letter, dated the 17th ultimo, from Rear-Admiral Sir Baldwin Walker, with its enclosures, reporting the proceedings of the United States ship-of-war. Vanderbilt at the Cape of Good Hope, after her return from the Mauritius, and the seizure by that ship of the colonial vessel Saxon at Angra Pequena.

I am, &c.,