Boston, July 13, 1861.
Captain Matthews,
Steamer Cambridge, Hyannis:
Dear Sir, — Commodore Hudson sends Lieutenant Stevens
by this train to represent the government on board Cambridge, and take charge
of any warlike operations, but he will doubtless consult with you about the
cruise generally.
You will receive a new twelve-pound rifle by the train, with
ammunition; also some preserved meats.
Then get, if you can and think best, ten to twenty good men
for the cruise.
Follow Lieutenant Stevens's orders, if he comes. If he
misses from any cause, get somehow, by purchase or otherwise, enough coal for a
cruise of five or six days with what you have got, and run out about northeast
and cruise on the north edge of the Gulf in search of privateers — take the
responsibility carefully, of hailing vessels, and if you find one that
you feel sure is a privateer or pirate, take her, or better still
sink her, but be sure you are right before you fire.
I have little doubt the lieutenant will reach you. I have a
telegram from Secretary Welles authorizing me to send you on a two or three
days' cruise after the privateer. The best chance for catching her will be at
the northeast, on the track of vessels bound to New York from Europe. She was
last seen Monday night, about one hundred miles southeast from Nantucket; has
had light southerly winds since. She is a full-rigged brig, of about 200 tons,
formerly the Echo, slaver, has been showing French flag, has cotton foresail
and top-gallant sails, hemp trysail. Has three jibs and staysail, about seventy
men, Captain Coxetter, First Lieutenant Postell, said to be formerly of Texan
navy, one eighteen-pound pivot gun, four thirty-two or twenty-four, and all old
guns, no rifled cannon.
There have been two revenue cutters sent from here and
United States sloop Vincennes, also several vessels from New York, all
intending to cruise to eastward of Nantucket. Your best chance will therefore
be further north. The Secretary's directions are to cruise for two or three
days, but if you get any information which leads you to hope for success, you
must cruise longer.
We shall have troops to send by you about Thursday. Return
to Boston after your cruise. I have telegraphed Captain John Eldridge to engage
coal and men for you at Hyannis conditionally. See newspapers for particulars
about pirates.
Yours,
J. M. Forbes.
SOURCE: Sarah Forbes Hughes, Letters and
Recollections of John Murray Forbes, Volume 1, p. 216-7
