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

Mr. Seward to Mr. Burnley

Department of State, Washington, December 14, 1864.

Sir: I have the honor to communicate to you, for the information of the governor general of Canada, a copy of a despatch of the 9th instant from D. Thurston, esquire, the consul general of the United States at Montreal, relating to suspicions entertained that two vessels now in course of construction in Montreal, called respectively the El Almandares and the Pinero, and another expected from a different quarter and the name of which is not yet ascertained, are intended to be employed for purposes hostile to the United States.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

J. Hume Burnley, Esq., &c.

Mr. Thurston to Mr. Seward

United States Consulate General, Montreal, December 9, 1864.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that it was rumored in this city that two vessels were being built here for the use of the rebels. I immediately sent and had them examined and the following descriptions taken:

The largest vessel, called the El Almandares, is a wooden side-wheeled steamer, about 215 feet long by 30 broad and 630 tons burden, the hull being plated with iron. It has a round stern, sharp stem, double decks, rising very high and almost concealing the walking-beam and other machinery which usually appears above deck. The upper-deck roof is supported by a beam elliptical in form, the lower deck being the axis. This beam is of great strength, and adds much to the firmness of the vessel. On each side of the deck, at a distance of about three feet from each other, are a number of fixed pulleys. It has two masts, one smoke-stack, the upper part of her hull painted white and the lower black, is provided with a very powerful engine, and will no doubt prove very fast.

The other vessel, called the Pinero, is also a wooden side-wheeled steamer, 142 feet long, 27 feet broad, and 9 feet deep, 287 tons burden, with round stern, sharp stem, and double deck, the wood-work of which nearly conceals her vertical walking-beam and machinery. She carries a powerful engine, has two masts, two smoke stacks, only one of which is visible from without, is painted white, and has the lower portion of her hull plated with iron.

The El Almanclares, it is stated, is to proceed to Havana under command of Captain De Calvo. The Pinero is also bound for Havana.

It is generally believed that the vessels above described have been built for purposes inimical to the interests of the United States, either as blockade-runners or are to be used as the Alabama and Florida, to prey upon our commerce. One of the police officers of the city has, intimated to me that he holds the same opinion, and has informed me that another vessel is expected to join the two already here, from the upper province, with a description of which I will endeavor to furnish you.

It may be that these vessels are designed for legitimate purposes, but the belief to the contrary is so general, some particulars of their outfit so unusual, and the addition of another vessel to their number from Upper Canada so suspicious, that I have considered it proper to inform you of such fac’s as I have been able to collect respecting them.

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

D. THURSTON, United States Vice-Consul’ General.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.