Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward

No. 7.]

Sir: Your despatches, Nos. 9 to 15 inclusive, have been received.

Referring to your despatch No. 9, I have the honor to inform you that both the iron-clad vessels referred to by you, the Shanghai and the San Francisco, have been purchased and equipped for the Peruvian navy, and have both sailed under orders of the Peruvian government.

I had this, yesterday, from the lips of Mr. Barreda, the Peruvian minister, who also informed me that the San Francisco sailed under the French flag for England, where she is expected to take departure as a Peruvian vessel.

She left the French port fully armed. Our consul at Nantes informs me that her coals were to be sent to her at Quiberon bay. I may here mention that the Peruvian government is now in treaty for another vessel built, at Glasgow, for the confederate navy. The negotiation is depending only upon the news to come from America, which may render the difficulties of taking her out under the Peruvian flag insurmountable.

I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,

JOHN BIGELOW.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.