Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward
Sir: This goes by the morning train in the hope it will reach Queenstown in time for the Cunard steamer.
The first resolution of the Spanish government in the matter of the pirate at Ferrol was to treat her as the Sumter was treated at Cadiz, and under this order repairs were commenced upon her Yesterday. I have remonstrated in such terms that after a good deal of difficulty I procured a counter order last night to suspend the work.
I am informed by Mr. Fernandez, acting as consular agent at Ferrol, and acting nobly, that the vessel is in bad condition and cannot go to sea without the repairs she seeks. I think from present appearances I shall be able to detain her definitively and stop her career entirely; at any rate I shall gain time.
Meantime the Sacramento is off from Cadiz on the evening of the 4th instant, [Page 476] and will have plenty of time to get round. I have no doubt other ships will be sent by Mr. Adams and Mr. Bigelow.
I confirm my telegram of the 5th to you by Queenstown.
The vessel is an iron-clad ram of 300 horse-power and three guns, built in France, stopped by imperial order, sold afterwards to Denmark, refused by that government, and once more in rebel hands. She is supposed to have received her crew from an English steamer sent out to meet her for this purpose at some rendezvous; name, Stonewall.
I have no time to relate in detail the strenuous efforts I have made here. I have been forced to use firm language, which will be immediately reported to you. I think the career of this vessel is stopped, but till I have the documents in my hands, will not venture to announce it as a fait accompli.
With the highest respect, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington.