| Navy Department |
| June 28, 1861 |
| |
| Commodore Stringham |
| |
| Sir,
|
| Following you have copies of the
contents of two letters received at this Department this a. m. |
| Gideon Wells |
|
[Enclosures] |
|
While Charleston and Savannah as well as Virginia ports are
blockaded, our port (Wilmington, N. C.) is overlooked. Vessels from
England arrive and bring us what is wanted, our railroads
distributing to every point of the compass aid and comfort to the
Confederate States. Six British vessels have entered and cleared
since the paper blockade her furnishing was declared. One is now
loading for England, cargo funds to bring out munitions from
England. More vessels are expected with railroad iron. |
| Jacob Brewster |
|
[Enclosure] |
| The ship Alliance, which was
ordered away off Charleston some time since by the U. S. blockading
squadron, has been lying in this harbor (St. Johns) two weeks. She
is loaded with railroad iron, and is now waiting orders from
Liverpool. There are suspicions that she has also arms beneath the
iron rails. |
|