Mr. Schieffelin to Mr. Seward
Sir: Since mailing my note of this day, I have received a letter from the President of Liberia, in relation to the draught of the gun-boat, hoping, however, that I have ere this received her, &c, &c.
This letter is dated December 12th, (nearly two months later than the one immediately previous, in which mention is made of the native tribes having concerted plans of attack, &c.,) and does not allude to the hostile intentions of the native tribes, only advising me of having written two letters on the subject of the gun-boat.
This may be owing to the fact that the letter was short and hurried on account of the mail going a day earlier than was expected but still I think it would not have omitted allusion to the subject had any serious attack occurred, or been then instantly apprehended.
I therefore deem it due that I should immediately inform you of the circumstance, indicating, possibly, less apprehension of danger to the Liberian settlements along the coast than at the previous date.
I have no other reason for supposing that the need of the assistance of a United States cruiser is less, but apprehend it will be rather greater, when the native tribes become informed, as they will be or are ere this, that Liberia will not receive the expected gun-boat.
The visit of a United States cruiser for the purpose of aiding the Liberian government if necessary would doubtless be a great and important support to her authority, and contribute to prevent the native tribes from combining to attack the small civilized settlements along their extended coast.
With the highest consideration, I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.