Mr. Seward to Mr. Harvey.

No. 91.]

Sir: Your despatch of November 19 (No. 181) has been received, and the information it gives will be at once communicated to the Secretary of the Navy. While every one on this side of the Atlantic feels the same dissatisfaction which you express with the depredations of the 290, and the consequences so injurious to our national commerce which result from them, yet I do not find in any quarter a doubt that the Navy Department is displaying all the activity, diligence, and efficiency which, under the extraordinary circumstances of the country, could reasonably be expected.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

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