Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
Department of State, Washington,
April 13, 1863.
My Lord: I enclose a copy of a correspondence
between Rear-Admiral Wilkes and the governor of the British island of
Barbadoes, relative to an alleged disregard, by the latter, of her
Majesty’s orders in permitting the insurgent steamer Florida, Maffit,
commander, to take in a supply of coal at that island, after having
taken in a full supply at Nassau only thirty days before.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Welles to Mr. Seward.
Navy
Department,
April 6, 1863.
Sir: I have the honor to submit for your
perusal, and such action as you may deem proper, the accompanying
despatches, Nos. 19 and 24, from Acting Rear-Admiral Wilkes, with
copies correspondence between him and Governor Walker at
Barbadoes.
I desire to respectfully invite your attention to the fact here
disclosed of the manner in which her Majesty’s proclamation is
observed and regarded, especially in permitting the rebel privateer
Florida to coal in full at Nassau with a supply of 160 tons, and in
thirty days thereafter to again receive a supply at Barbadoes,
against protest of the American consul.
[Page 567]
Hoping these infractions may receive particular consideration, I have
the honor to be, your obedient servant,
GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the
Navy.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c.
