Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir: Thomas Kirkpatrick, esq., our consul at Nassau, on the 18th instant, informed me that the steamer City of Richmond had arrived at that port from England, via Bermuda; that it was understood at Nassau, from a passenger from Bermuda, that a large amount of guns, ammunition, &c, had been transferred from that steamer to the iron-clad vessel Olinde, alias Stoerkodder, alias Stonewall; that it was said, also, that it was the intention of the captain of the Olinde to run in and destroy Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and other eastern seaports.
The steward of the City of Richmond stated to Mr. Kirkpatrick, after he had written the portion of his despatch containing the foregoing representations, that the steamer City of Richmond transferred about seventy men and a quantity of powder and some tanks, on board of the Olinde, off the coast of France; that these men came on board of the Oity of Richmond, in the Thames, after she left London; that several so-called confederate officers were on the ship, part of whom had charge of these men; that they put no guns on board; that she (the Olinde) had them already there; and that she was said to have come from France.
You will have already brought the attention of her Majesty’s government to the part taken by the City of Richmond in furnishing the iron-clad vessel referred to with men and munitions, (if not with arms,) and you will make such use of the information now imparted as may, in your judgment, be most judicious.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq.,&c., &c., &c.