Charles Francis Adams. Esq., &c., &c., &c.
Colonel Allen to Mr. Seward
New York.
January 3, 1865.
Sir. For some time previous to the late
attempt to seize the Pacific steamers, I had reason to believe that
such a plan was in contemplation; the result justified my
suspicions. Since then I have followed the matter up, and now have
certain information that a repetition of it will be resumed on an
entirely different plan. The leading agents engaged in this matter I
am personally acquainted with; I therefore deem it my duty to impart
to the State and Navy Departments such facts as have come to my
knowledge, with an offer of any services for the purpose of
counteracting the plans the parties have in view.
The plan of action now is to seize the ships by the aid of a swift
but small iron steamer, armed with one gun. She will be concealed in
some of the many bays and inlets abounding on the coast from the
Gulf of Fonseca to San José, on the lower end of Costa Rica. Two of
those vessels are now on the way, or have arrived at St. Thomas from
England, in pieces. They will be put together there, or at
Georgetown, Demerara, run down the coast around the Horn, intending
ostensibly to ply around the Chincha islands; the officers and
prize-crew will sail from this port to Havana, reporting there to
Charles Helm; thence to St. Thomas, where a person named Andrews
manages affairs, or did the last time. At the proper time they will
proceed to San Juan, Nicaragua, where they will be taken in charge
by Thomas J. Martin, late mayor of that place, who will forward them
up the river, across the lake, on through Costa Rica, to the coast,
there to meet the vessels and sally out at the proper time.
Helm I have known since the Mexican war; Andrews I have done business
wit h Martin was in my employ while engineer on the ship canal. I am
well acquainted throughout Nicaragua and Costa Rica, as also in
Demerara; therefore, with the aid of an assistant and the coast
natives, it would be impossible for these men to escape capture, by
keeping the naval commander at Panama fully advised.
Mr. Thomas Sampson thinks as I do, that this matter is of such
importance that no time should be lost in acting upon it.
Very respectfully,
WILLIAM H. ALLEN, Late Colonel 1st
and 145th Regiments N. Y.
Volunteers
Hon. William. H. Seward. Secretary of State.
