Mr. Munro to Mr Harvey.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that within the last few days two British steamers have put into this port apparently for coals, which I very much suspect are destined to run the blockade.
One of them, Presto, Captain T. J. Thomas, reported herself as coming in from Cork, via Corunna. Her burden is 165 tons and 160 horse-power, with a crew of twenty-six, all told.
I have strong reasons to suspect that her owner is, in part or in whole, Mr. William S. Lindsay. This person, who is now here, has been on board of her several times, and she is consigned to his acknowledged agents in Lisbon, E. P. Bastos & Co. The Presto has cleared, and starts to-day for Bermuda. She brought no cargo, and carried away coals for the voyage.
[Page 281]The other, the Triton, Captain J. W. Smith, came in on the 24th instant from Liverpool, and is bound to the Havana. Her burden is 228 tons and 70 horse-power. Her crew consists of twenty-five men, all told. She likewise brought no cargo; consigned herself to the consul, and goes away in coal ballast.
There is nothing remarkable or characteristic in any of these steamers, which are both screws, schooner rigged, and painted black all over.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. James E. Harvey, U. S. Minister, Lisbon, Portugal.