Office of the Historian

Mr. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury, to Mr. Fish, Secretary of State.

Treasury Department,
Washington, November 10, 1869.

[122] Sir: On Monday last Mr. Moore, the collector of customs at Philadelphia, informed me that the ram Atlanta, a vessel constructed for war purposes, was lying in the harbor, and had there recently taken on board four large guns. Upon Mr. Moore’s representation, I directed him to place his officers on board the Atlanta, and to prevent her going to sea until her true character and purposes could be ascertained. I have this morning received from Mr. Moore a letter, dated on the 9th instant, covering a report made by E. O. Goodrich, surveyor of the port of Philadelphia, giving further information concerning *the suspected vessel, copies of which letter and report I have the honor herewith to transmit to you.

I am, very respectfully, &c.,

  • GEO. S. BOUTWELL,
    Secretary of the Treasury.
  • Mr. Fish,
    Secretary of State.
[Inclosure No. 1.]

Mr. Moore, collector, to Mr. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury.

Custom-House, Collector’s Office,
Philadelphia, November 9, 1869.

Sir: I have the honor to inclose the report of E. O. Goodrich, esq., [Page 822] surveyor of the port, in regard to an examination of the ram Atlanta, seized by instructions, on the 8th instant, from your Department.

Mr. Oakes Smith, with the Haytian general, waited on me this morning, and produced evidence as leads me to believe that the Atlanta has been legitimately purchased for the Haytain government. These gentlemen will wait on you, in a day or two, in regard to the vessel.

I am, very respectfully, &c.,

HENRY D. MOORE,
Collector of Customs.

Hon. Geo. S. Boutwell,
Secretary of the Treasury.

[123] *[Inclosure No. 2.]

Mr. Goodrich, surveyor, to Mr. Moore, collector.

Custom-House, Philadelphia,
Surveyor’s Office, November 9, 1869.

Sir: In compliance with the request contained in your letter of this date, I have caused an examination of the ram Atlanta to be made, now lying at Neafie & Levy’s wharf, in charge of officers of the customs.

The Atlanta has recently been repaired, and her machinery put in order. During the last week four large guns have been taken on, which are placed in position, and mounted.

She has no coal, stores, nor ammunition on board, but could be got ready for sea in four or five days. Two inspectors are in charge of the ram.

Very respectfully,

E. O. GOODRICH,
Surveyor.

Hon. Henry D. Moore,
Collector.