Thomas Kirkpatrick to Charle. R. Nesbet . Colonial Secretary of Bahamas, February 3, 1865

Mr. Kirkpatrick to Mr. Nesbet.

Sir. I have the honor to receive your communication of yesterday, informing me that the governor has received a report from the health officer, date yesterday, 1st instant, notifying that “the passengers, officers, &c, from an American steamer, then in the offing, were on shore, having landed without his being able to visit the vessel;” and you add, “that his excellency presumes that this has reference to the United States steamer Honduras, regarding which you (I) communicated with him on the afternoon of the 31st ultimo,” and ask me to inform his excellency, the governor, of the circumstances, &c. All I know of the matter is briefly this—that after the interview had with his excellency, on the afternoon in question, Captain Harris left for his ship, and succeeded in reaching her, then in the offing, and after reaching her, stood out to sea; that on the next morning himself and two other officers, as I understood, although only himself and one other were in my office, and did. some business, leaving some despatches which had been intrusted to him to be forwarded by mail, and, I believe, purchased some small stores, (this is only known to me by their statements, ) and immediately after left for the ship. I am very positive, if the health officer means the officers, &c, of the Honduras, that there was no intention on their part, or knowledge, that they were violating any law of this colony, and can only add my personal regrets it should have occurred.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,