SPRAGUE, United States Consul to Charles F. Adams , United States, November 20, 1863
Mr. Sprague to Mr. Adams.
Sir: Since I had the honor to address your excellency last evening, I have closely examined the commander of the British tug-boat Lion Belge, who reported that he had seen a confederate war steamer off Cape Spartel. I now beg to enclose a memorandum of what he has just stated to me on the subject, and have forwarded a copy thereof to Commander Preble, of the United States ship Saint Louis, now provisioning at Cadiz.
In the absence of a federal war steamer at hand, this consulate is without the means of doing anything to protect our merchant vessels. Fortunately, however, there are but two at present at this port discharging coals, and I believe very few are now afloat in the Mediterranean.
I shall feel obliged if you will do me the favor to communicate all this information to our government at Washington, as the immediate departure of the present steam packet does not permit me to address the Navy Department direct.
I have the honor to be, sir, in haste, your obedient servant,
His Excellency Charles F. Adams, United States Minister, &c., &c., &., London.
Captain Hunter’s statement.
Statement of Captain Hunter, of the British tug-boat Lion Belge, on her voyage from Tangier to the port of Gibraltar, on the evening of the 19th of November, 1863.
At 4 p. m, saw a steamer, long, very sharp bow, sort stern, bark-rigged, with her funnel close to her mizzenmast and painted cream color, steaming very slow off Cape Spartel, and steering north—wind east at the time—apparently watching all vessels that were passing out of the straits; was painted black; saw her port-holes—four open—but could not see her guns. Her mizzenmast appeared small, and as if it could be taken down with ease for disguise. Showed no flag; saw some fifty heads knocking about the decks. At 8 o’clock of the morning the steam vessel Brunette reported to Captain Hunter having seen the same steamer further west, but in the same direction, and slowly steaming up as if watching. The steamer’s foremast and mainmast are described as being very heavy and lofty masts.