Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward.
Sir:Our consul at Gibraltar has just telegraphed me, stating that the British schooner Emily Wilde was recently boarded by the rebel cruiser Georgia near Cape Finisterre. This information confirms that already communicated in my No. 237, and gives just cause for apprehension that the piratical depredations of this class of vessels will be renewed on this side of the Atlantic ocean.
I have also been notified by our agent in the Algarve district of this kingdom of the appearance off the coast of two steamers within a short time, the suspicious conduct of which led him to suppose that they intended to take shelter or seek concealment among the secluded indentations thereabouts, which are so favorable to, and which have been notorious heretofore for, nefarious enterprises. But his precautions, combined with a good understanding of the government officials, have thus far prevented their entrance into any of the small ports of that bad region. I have adopted, in concert with him, efficient measures to be informed immediately of any important change of circumstances there, and I will strive, should an unfavorable contingency occur, to act with effect and promptitude here.
British vessels are now, and have been for some time back, carrying coals to the remote harbors of the Azores islands, where limited vigilance is necessarily [Page 278] exercised for the purpose of supplying steamers intending to run the blockade, and doubtless others also equipped for depredatory hostilities. If the state of the public service at home will admit of two fleet armed steamships being sent to these waters, they, with the Kearsarge, under proper direction, could readily be organized into a force sufficient not only for the protection of our exposed commerce, but competent to inflict punishment upon its criminal assailants. In such an event, it is particularly desirable that they should not be restricted by arbitrary limits in regard to their duties abroad, nor be absolutely independent in their movements.
If I had felt myself authorized to do so, I should most certainly have directed the Kearsarge to have proceeded forthwith to sea, upon being informed of the presence of the cruiser Georgia—the more so, as she is now said to be in excellent condition, and as the Florida, at Brest, according to a letter of one of the officers of the Kearsarge, which was submitted to my inspection, cannot be ready for sea before six weeks at least. It is possible, however, that the commander of the Kearsarge may have acted upon the information which I sent to him by telegraph a week ago, and previously by letter, in regard to the operations of the Georgia near Teneriffe.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.