Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward
Sir: The United States steamer Sacramento put into this port yesterday with her engine in a disabled condition having started from Cadiz for Vigo on Saturday last in consequence of information communicated from our legation at Madrid; it is yet uncertain when the necessary repairs will be completed, though her commander, who has just left me, will urge them forward with all possible expedition.
It is now positively ascertained that the opinion ventured in my last despatch was correct, and that the rebel cruiser supposed by Mr. Perry to be the Shenandoah at Corunna, is in fact the French ram Olinde under the name of Stonewall, which entered Ferrol in a damaged state on the 1st instant.
If the Sacramento can be got ready for sea in time, she will be despatched without delay to the vicinity of Ferrol, in the hope of capturing or destroying the ram in question. Or, if the Niagara should appear in these waters, as is [Page 106] remotely hoped, in consequence of my telegram to Mr. Adams on the 6th instant, (to which no reply has yet been received,) that duty will be assigned to her, also, in concert with or independent of the Sacramento, as circumstances may render necessary.
There is no other resource that can be invoked for this urgent occasion, but every pains will be taken to employ our limited means to the best advantage.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.