Pirate Morris to the Captain of the port of Funchal, &c., &c., &c.
Sir: In answer to your request that I should leave this port immediately, I have to state that it is utterly impossible to comply. I would state that I arrived here last night at 11 o’clock, and am out of coal, and require water and bread, and do hereby enter my protest against being forced to leave without the above-mentioned necessaries, and must decline doing so. Should any mishap befall this vessel while out of fuel your government will be responsible for the same. It is actually necessary to have coal, not only for the purpose of propelling the vessel, but also to make fresh water, as this vessel carries a very small quantity of the latter. I only ask for what the English, French, Spanish, and Brazilian governments, and also your own government, have al-already granted to our vessels.
I have the honor to be your most obedient servant,
Capt. Joaquin Pedro de Castelbranco, Captain of the Port of Funchal, &c., &c., &c.