THATCHER, Commodore United Stales Navy to Charles Francis Adams, United States, June 29, 1863

Commodore Thatcher to Mr. Adams.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I have learned from many private sources entitled to credit that a very fast steamer, said to be called the “Southerner,” has been built in England, destined for a confederate privateer, to cruise against our extensive commerce in the Mediterranean; and from the fact that a rebel commander, Thos. Jefferson Page, late of the United States navy, has recently arrived at Florence, with the intention, it is believed, of commanding this vessel, I have reason to think this information correct.

This vessel, it is said, will arrive in a Mediterranean port with regular papers and a cargo, but fitted for a cruiser in all respects, except her heavy armament, which can easily be placed on board of her by a similar process to that of the arming of the Alabama. As this sloop-of-war is the only United States vessel in the Mediterranean, and is but a sailing vessel, she could not, of course, successfully pursue a fast steamer, especially at this season of prevailing calms. May I not, therefore, take the liberty of requesting you to urge upon the Navy Department the necessity of sending, at the earliest possible moment, at least one fast and well-armed steamer here before this intended work of destruction shall have been inaugurated.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,