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

Sir: I received the note which you were pleased to address me, under yesterday’s date, regarding the entry in this port of the steamer Stonewall, wherein, after sundry considerations on this occurrence, you make the following requests:

1.
That His Majesty’s government shall immediately take the necessary steps to order that vessel away.
2.
That she be not allowed to receive supplies of coal.
3.
That the enlistment of seamen, firemen, or any other individuals be prevented.

[427] *In reply I have the honor of informing you that, so soon as His Majesty’s government was made aware of the arrival of said vessel, and that the cause thereof was the want of coal, intimation was given to the respective commander that on completing his supply, and within twenty-four hours, he should proceed to sea. Said term expired this afternoon. On perceiving this morning that the vessel was still at her anchorage, a naval officer was sent on board to ascertain the reason why she had delayed her starting. The said officer, on his return, stated that if the Stonewall had not started within the prescribed time, it was owing to her not having taken in all the coal, and there being to-day a strong current the commander was afraid that a slight derangement in his capstan might prevent his weighing anchor; and the latter further declared that as soon as the current might diminish its intensity he would quit the port, and this he effected about 10.50 a.m.

[428] Regarding the supply of coal, against which you insist, allow me to observe that the vessel being a steamer His Majesty’s government could not avoid, with good foundation, that she should be provided with that article, for the same reason that it could not deny to any sailing-vessel, in a dismantled state, to provide itself with the needful sails. In reply to your third request, and to what you say regarding the English brig *Fairline and the schooner Merton Castle, which were about sailing for Lisbon with munitions of war, chains, and anchors supposed to be destined for the Stonewall, I hasten to assure you that His Majesty’s government, having greatly at heart not to give any motive which might alter the friendly relations and the good harmony which happily subsists between Portugal and the United States, has not hesitated in adopting all necessary measures, through the departments of marine, interior, and finance, to put a stop to all such plans.

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.