[Extract.]
Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward
No. 15]
Legation of the United States,
Stockholm,
April 8, 1865.
Sir: Your despatch of the 13th of February, No.
13, has been received.
I took occasion to communicate to Count Manderstrom the action of my
government on the subject of the Bergen international exhibition, with
which he expressed himself much gratified.
A letter from Mr. Wood, United States minister resident at Copenhagen, of
the 1st instant, and received by me on the 6th instant, informed me that
“confederate agents” were prowling around that city in search of a
vessel that would answer for piratical purposes, and that he (Mr. Wood)
understood that “Waddell, the captain of the late Florida,” who was
there, had said that he might go to Sweden, &c.
I immediately took the necessary steps to place the consuls of the United
States at the Swedish and Norwegian ports on their guard against the
supposed purposes of these rebel emissaries, and requested careful
watchfulness of their operations.
I enclose a copy of Mr. Wood’s note, (No. 1,) and of my reply, (No. 2,)
as well as a copy of a letter addressed by me to the consul at
Gothenburg, Mr. Thomas, on the subject, (No. 3.)
[Page 194]
Preparations for the resumption of commerce with the Baltic ports are now
being made. It is supposed the navigation will be free from ice after
the 15th or 20th instant. The winter has been one of unusual severity,
but the snow and ice are now fast disappearing.
* * * * * *
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
&c., &c., &c.
No. 1.
Mr. Wood to Mr. Campbell
Legation of the United
States,
Copenhagen,
April 1, 1865.
Dear Sir: Confederate agents have been
prowling around this city, and, I suppose, looking out for some
vessel that will do for a pirate, and which they would expect to get
out as a merchant vessel and arm at sea.
I have been informed that Waddell, the captain of the late Florida,
is here, and that he has dropped the remark that he might go to
Sweden; in other words, go where he could find such a ship as he
wanted.
I am not sufficiently acquainted with Swedish ports or Swedish
commerce to indicate what place he would go to, but have thought it
advisable to apprise you of what I have heard. As it is no longer as
easily as formerly to equip pirates in England, the confederates are
now, I think, turning their attention to the smaller maritime
powers.
I remain, very truly, your obedient servant,
Hon. Mr. Campbell,
United States Minister, Stockholm.
P. S.—I should think Gothenburg a port, or one of the ports, most
likely to be visited by the confederates. W.
No. 2.
Mr. Campbell to Mr. Wood
Legation of the United
States,
Stockholm,
April 6 1865.
Sir: Yours of the 1st instant was received
this morning, and I thank you for the information thus promptly
given. We have been out of the track of rebel operations here, and,
with the exception of a person calling himself William L. Preston,
C. S. A., who left this place about the time of my arrival, I have
not heard of any one within the jurisdiction of this legation who
might fairly be suspected as a spy or agent of the insurgents.
I can understand the value of your suggestions, and will immediately
take the necessary steps to place our consuls on the alert, and if,
or when, necessary, will call the attention of the Swedish and
Norwegian officials to the subject.
With thanks for your suggestions, and in the hope that we may meet in
Europe, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
Hon. Bradford R. Wood,
United States Minister Resident,
Copenhagen.
No. 3.
Mr. Campbell to Mr. Thomas, Jr
Legation of the United
States,
Stockholm,
April 6, 1865.
Sir: The following extracts are made from a
letter received this day from Hon. Bradford R. Wood, United States
minister resident, Copenhagen, and dated April 1, 1865, viz:
“Confederate agents have been prowling around this city, and, I
suppose, looking out for some vessel that will do for a pirate, and
which they would expect to get out as a merchant vessel and arm at
sea. I have been informed that Waddell, the captain of the late [Page 195] Florida, is here, and that
he dropped the remark that he might go to Sweden; in other words, go
where he might find such a ship as he wanted. I am not sufficiently
acquainted with Swedish ports or Swedish commerce to indicate what
place he would go to, &c. As it is no longer as easily as
formerly to equip pirates in England, the confederates are now, I
think, turning their attention to the smaller maritime powers,
&c. I should think Gothenburg a port, or one of the ports, most
likely to be visited by the confederates.”
As the operations of the insurgent’s agents may extend to your
neighborhood, I have deemed it advisable to call your attention to
this information, and to request of you (that which I know the
interests of the United States will always receive at your hands
without any request of mine) especial care and watchfulness in this
regard. If necessary, my aid with the government officials here can
be invoked by telegraph or otherwise, as you may deem best. I have
written to the consuls of the United States at Bergen and Porsgrund
on this subject.
What is the prospect of emigration to the United States from your
part of Sweden for the approaching season? Be pleased to let me
know.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
William W. Thomas, Jr., Esq., United States Consul, Gothenburg,
Sweden.
