Edwin M. Stanton to William H. Seward, March 8, 1864

Mr. Stanton to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor of enclosing to you a copy of a report made to this department by Provost Marshal Baker, for your information and such action as you may deem proper.

Your obedient servant,

Colonel Baker to Mr. Stanton.

Sir: Herewith I have the honor to forward a statement furnished by one of my agents, who has been in Upper Canada for some two months. The statement can be relied upon as being true in every particular.

“There is now lying in Rondeau harbor, about 17 miles from Cheetham, C. W., a fore-and-aft schooner named the Montreal, commanded by one Captain Whitby, formerly a lieutenant in the confederate navy. She has on board two 24-pounders, a quantity of ammunition, arms-chests, cutlasses, boarding pikes, &c.; she also has a crew of fourteen men, nearly all escaped rebel prisoners.

“There is also lying in New creek, Long Point Marsh, and about 15 miles from Fort Stanley, C. W., a schooner named the Saratoga; she has four 18-pounders on board and is manned with a crew of 16 men.

“Both of the vessels referred to are not dismantled, as is usual during the winter months in that climate, but are kept in sailing condition at the shortest notice.”

My informant has mingled and talked freely with the crews of these vessels, and they do not hesitate to avow their piratical intentions as soon as navigation is resumed in the spring.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,