Mr. Schieffelin to Mr. Seward
Sir: It having been ascertained that there is no suitable sailing vessel in the United States navy, nor any suitable steam vessel, that can (in the judgment of the Secretary of the Navy) be spared for the purpose of being transferred to the government of Liberia, according to the late act of Congress, their liberal act towards Liberia cannot be made available. Of this fact the Liberian government was not yet, at last dates, apprised; while, in addition to former pressing reasons for desiring it, another still more imminent has arisen.
The government has information that the several tribes along the seaboard, being dissatisfied with the interference of “port-of-entry” laws with trade with foreign vessels on the coast, have concerted plans for attacking and carrying, by force of arms and starvation, Sinou and Bassa counties, (about two-thirds of all the Liberian coast;) and the government of Liberia, not yet aware of the disappointment which next mail, probably ere this, has brought them, instructs me that it is urgently necessary that the gun-boat should be there as early as possible, and to put forth all my endeavors that no time may be lost.
Under these circumstances may I ask if the United States government will extend to Liberia the assistance of one of her cruisers on that coast.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.