Mr. Seward to Mr.
Rousseau.
No. 11.]
Department of State,
Washington,
October 10, 1866.
Sir: I transmit to you for your further
information a copy of a communication received at this department from
George Hunnewell, esq., of New Orleans, on the subject of the claim for
the loss of the sloop Muhlenberg.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
R. H. Rousseau, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
[Untitled]
New Orleans,
October 4, 1866.
Dear Sir: At your kind request I write to
advise you of my inability to obtain any further information in
relation to the loss of the Muhlenberg. It being out of fruit
season, we have no communication with the island of Ruatan.
After her being abandoned for want of a clearance, she was rifled of
everything that was movable, comprising her sails, which were new,
rigging, &c., and for want of proper attention,
[Page 538]
owing to the rocky bottom of the
harbor, she sunk, and was afterwards raised by the authorities of
the island, and in this condition could not have been of much value.
But in consideration of the charter which she was under, viz., $450
per month, and the demurrage of $15 per day on which she was
abandoned, should be the basis of the estimate damage and loss. I do
not mention these facts in the way of dictations, but only to advise
you of her actual value to the parties interested at the time of her
abandonment. And if there is any justice in this claim, I ask your
kind consideration from the fact of the recent death of the captain,
(Lang,) whose widow called on me yesterday and so informed me,
leaving her dependent on the world’s charity with six children. Of
the many calls on me previous to his death, I advised you when I
last saw you.
Trusting this may meet with your kind consideration and attention, I
remain, yours very truly,
(Lock box 256, P. O.)
E. P. Jacobson, Esq
