Mr. Harvey to Mr.
Seward.
No. 256.]
Legation of the United States,
Lisbon, January 30, 1864.
Sir:The Duke de Soulé addressed me a fourth
note (of which a copy in translation is enclosed) yesterday on the
subject of my recent representation, and from which it appears that the
entire authority of every department of his
[Page 292]
Majesty’s government has now been seriously and
energetically invoked to prevent rebel cruisers from arming or equipping
in the island ports of this kingdom.
I have reason to know, also, that his Majesty’s fine war steamer the
Mindello was despatched to the Azores yesterday to give practical effect
to these assurances, which, besides being a gratifying fact to me in my
official capacity, is a source of great personal satisfaction, because
it was intended as a substantial token of good will in both
respects.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
[Translation.]
The Duke de Soulé to Mr. Harvey.
I have the honor of informing you, in addition to my notes of 23d
instant, that the minister of finance informs me, in a communication
of the 20th instant, that on the same day the most positive orders
were being sent to the directors of custom-houses in the Azores
islands, to the effect of their adopting, under the severest
responsibility, all. such measures as may be within their reach, to
prevent confederate vessels from supplying themselves with munitions
of war in the customs-ports of said archipelago.
It is my duty further to inform you that the minister of war has
advised me, under that same date, that notwithstanding the orders
already transmitted to the general commanding the 10th military
division, which were communicated to you on the 2d December, 1862,
he now again recommends the aforesaid general to employ the utmost
vigilance, and to give his most positive orders, so as, by
co-operating with all the other local authorities, to frustrate all
plans and attempts of the confederates, and thus maintain a vigorous
compliance with the decree of July 29, 1861.
I renew on this occasion the assurances of my most distinguished
consideration.
James E. Harvey, Esq., &c., &c.,
&c.
