Thomas Kirkpatrick to Charle. R. Nesbet . Colonial Secretary of Bahamas, February 7, 1865

Mr. Kirkpatrick to Mr. Nesbet

Sir: I had the honor to receive yesterday afternoon your communication of the 4th instant. I do not intend to enter into any discussion whether it was, or was not, a violation of her Majesty’s proclamation for a boat to land from a ship belonging to the government of the United States, cruising in the offing, or whether it was a violation of the laws of this colony regarding quarantine regulations; nor will I discuss why vessels belonging to other governments have been permitted to enter the harbor, or land, without let or hindrance, or complaint, as far as I am aware; but I must be permitted to say that I am surprised at the tone of your letter, insisting that Captain Harris was aware of his committing a violation of these laws, when taken in connexion with the conversation had with his excellency the governor the afternoon when Captain Harris and myself had the honor to converse with him in regard to his (Captain Harris’s) errand to Nassau, and the reasons for desiring to anchor inside the bar. I shall give the details of that conversation, and all the facts necessary to a full understanding of the subject, to the Department of State of the United States of America, and leave future discussion regarding it where it more properly belongs.

I have the honor to be your most obedient servant,