Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward.

No. 298.]

Sir: I have the honor to communicate herewith a copy of a note which has just reached me from the United States consulate at Madeira, having reference to the suspicious steamer Laurel, to which the attention of our public agents had been recently called by telegraphic despatches and correspondence of Mr. Dudley at Liverpool.

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,

JAMES E. HARVEY.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.