Office of the Historian

Mr. Seward to Sir F. Bruce

Department of State, Washington, August 9, 1865.

Sir: Referring to the previous correspondence which has passed between her Majesty’s legation and this department, relative to the British schooner James Douglas, which vessel was picked up at sea by the United States steamer Monticello, and carried into the port of Beaufort, North Carolina, I now have the honor to transmit a copy of a report of the 28th ultimo upon the subject, made to the Secretary of the Navy by Lieutenant William C. West, commanding the naval station at Beaufort, from which it appears that instructions have been given to that officer by Admiral Porter to deliver the James Douglas to her owners, provided there shall be no demand for compensation for such use as may have been made of that vessel while remaining at the above-named port.

I have the honor to be, with high consideration, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Hon. Sir Frederics W. A. Bruce, &c., &c., &c.

Mr. Welles to Mr. Seward

Navy Department, Washington, August 8, 1865.

Sir: Referring to a communication from this department to the Secretary of State, December 31, 1864, I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of a report from the officer at present in command of the naval station at Beaufort, North Carolina, in relation to the schooner James Douglas.

Lieutenant Commander West will be instructed to permit the owner, or his agent,, to remove or dispose of the vessel.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy,

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.

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Lieutenant West to Mr. Welles

Naval Station, Beaufort, N. C., July 28, 1865.

Sir: The dismasted schooner Douglas, which was picked up at sea, abandoned, by the United States steamer Monticello, is still lying here. I have received instructions from Admiral D. D. Porter to deliver her to her owners, upon condition of their not demanding compensation for any use which she may have been put to while lying here. No application has as yet been made for her delivery, and I respectfully request directions as to what disposition shall be made of her on the breaking up of this station.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM C. WEST, Lieutenant Commander, Commanding Naval Station.

Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.