[403] *No. 2.—Efforts to preserve the
neutrality of the Azores and Madeira.
Mr.
Harvey, United States
minister, to Mr. Seward,
Secretary of State.
Lisbon , October 3, 1862.
Sir: After my No. 157 was dispatched on the 29th ultimo, I had a personal interview with the Viscount Sada Barrdeira, the minister of war, who is also acting as minister of foreign affairs during the absence of the Marquis de Louie, in reference to the outrages at the Azores, the conduct of the Portuguese authorities there, and other matters connected with the general subject. I carried with me some of the testimony bearing on the important points, and submitted it to him with explanatory comments.
[404] He was frank enough to say that the islands in question had been used and abused by corsairs and pirates during centuries; that they were exposed and unprotected, and therefore might be so employed again; and that our best plan would be to send a sufficient force there to protect American ships against threatened depredations and to punish criminal *offenders. I informed him that two war-steamers had already been ordered to the islands, and that the sloop-of-war Saint Louis was ready to sail; but I had detained her a day for my own dispatches, and offered him that opportunity of communicating with the Portuguese officials. He thanked me for the courtesy, but said it would be impossible to prepare any instructions within the time named, and that the authorities of the Azores were already possessed of the views of the government through the royal proclamation of last year.
I called his attention particularly to the report of a project to establish a coal depot for “confederate” cruisers on the islands, saying that it was part of a plan to equip and arm against our commerce in flagrant disregard of the king’s proclamation. It was agreed between us that I should address him a note on the subject, directing attention to the points most requiring prompt consideration. A copy of that note is now inclosed for your information. It needs no explanation at my hands.
[405] No effort has been spared and no precaution neglected which care and prudence could suggest or provide for this emergency. In fact all the resources at my disposal or discretion *have been exhausted, and I may say, without egotism, at least energetically, if not wisely.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State.