WINSLOW, Captain to Charles Francis Adams, Env. Ext. and Min. Plen. of the U. S., London, or John Bigelow, December 11, 1863

[Untitled]

Sir: Your letter, with enclosed memorandum, is at hand. I have just returned from a cruise of reconnoissance up the channel, and while off Cork landed sixteen men, who had secreted themselves on board the Kearsarge some time prior to her departure from Queenstown, the 3d ultimo.

I learned from the consul at Queenstown of the seizure of this act by secession agents to make capital of, and left with him originals of the enclosed letters, which will afford you all information in the premises.

I would beg leave to say, that so far as my action is concerned in this case, I was so particular as even to send ashore an American seaman (Boston born,) lest it might be said that I had not dealt faithfully.

I should be pleased to receive your views in consideration of this subject, with any information relating.

It is to be regretted that the daily papers could not publish the facts, and disclose the plot of secession agents to prejudice the public mind.

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