S. steamer Saginaw to Gideon Welles, April 13, 1862

Lieutenant McDougal to Mr. Welles.

Sir: I have the honor to report the following:

The anticipated troubles with England having subsided, on the 19th ultimo I removed this vessel from this place to Hong Kong, deeming Hong Kong to be the better place for carrying out any instructions I might receive from the department concerning her.

On the 5th instant I received a call from the harbor-master, who informed me that he had been instructed to notify me to remove the United States steamer Saginaw from Hong Kong, at the same time handing me a letter containing the notification and enclosing a proclamation just issued by the governor, all of which I enclose.

There being no other course for me to pursue than that of complying with the requirements made, on the 10th instant I got under way and steamed over to this place, where I shall await instructions from the department.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

The Harbor-Master at Hong Kong to Lieutenant McDougal.

Sir: I have the honor to enclose a proclamation issued by his excellency the governor, having reference to the hostilities which are now carried on between the States of North America which have seceded from the Union and those which adhere to it, and, in compliance with its provisions, beg to request you will be good enough to remove the United States sloop-of-war Saginaw, under your command, from the colony of Hong Kong and its dependencies.

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,