Mr. Harvey, United States minister, to Mr. Seward, Secretary of State.

Sir: The accompanying copy of a note from the Duke de Soule, in answer to one which I addressed to him on the 14th instant, in reference to the arming of piratical cruisers in Portuguese ports, was only received last night, though dated on the 16th instant.

I have the honor to be, &c.,

JAMES E. HARVEY.

Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State.

[Inclosure.]

Duke de Louie, minister of foreign affairs, to Mr. Harvey, United States minister.

[Translation.]

[406] *I have had the honor of receiving the note which you were pleased to address me under date of the 14th instant, making known to me the information you had received, that the English bark Agrippina was carrying to the Azores a cargo of munitions of war for the supply of confederate cruisers.

Being thus apprised of the contents of your aforesaid note, it is my duty to inform you that under this date, I address the ministers of the interior, finance, war, and navy departments, in order that, with all urgent speed, they may adopt the most energetic measures to prevent the furnishing of such articles to confederate vessels.

I avail myself of this opportunity to renew the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.

DUKE DE LOULÉ.

James E. Harvey, Esq., &c., &c., &c.