Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part I

Mr Mallory to Mr. Mason.

Confederate States of America, Navy Department, Richmond, October 30, 1862.

Sir: Mr. Sanders has, as you are aware, contracted with this department for the construction in England of six iron-clad steamers, combining the capacities of the freighting and the fighting ships in a manner which will enable them to force the blockade of our ports.

The interests of the country will be much benefited by the prompt construction of these vessels; and I beg leave to invoke your interest, not only in behalf of our enterprises already in progress, but in behalf of this also.

The secretary of the treasury has this day addressed to me a note upon the subject of the cotton to be delivered in liquidation of these contracts, and I enclose herewith a copy.

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

S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy.

Hon. James M. Mason, Commissioner of the Confederate States to Great Britain, London.

[Duplicate.]

Treasury Department, C. S. A., Richmond, October 21, 1862,

Gentlemen: The enclosed letter to Mr. James Spence is sent to you for your guidance and consideration.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. G. MEMMINGER, Secretary of the Treasury.

Messrs. Fraser, Trenholm & Co., Liverpool, Great Britain.