The America was commanded by a Lieutenant Hudson, who—­if my information be correct, and I have no doubt that it is—­was then, or had been just previously, a lieutenant in the American navy; he was the son of a most distinguished officer in the same service, Captain Hudson.  I am further informed that some doubts having arisen about the character of this ship, the American men-of-war in the different ports she called at protected her; and, on her arrival in Russia, the captain who took her out was, I know, very handsomely rewarded for his services.  (Hear, hear.) Now, I will go a step further about the Northern States.  In 1861, just after the war broke out, a friend of mine, whom I have known for many years, was over here, and came to me with a view of getting vessels built in this country for the American Government—­the Northern Government. (Hear, hear.) Its agents in this country made inquiries; plans and estimates were given to my friend, and transmitted to the Secretary of the American Navy.  I will read an abstract from this gentleman’s letter, dated the 30th of July, 1861.  It is written from Washington, and states—­

“Since my arrival here I have had frequent interviews with our ‘Department of Naval Affairs,’ and am happy to say that the Minister of the Navy is inclined to have an iron-plated ship built out of the country. (Hear, hear.) This ship is designed for a specific purpose, to accomplish a definite object.  I send you herewith a memorandum handed me last evening from the department, with the request that I would send it to you by steamer’s mail of to-morrow, and to ask your immediate reply, stating if you will agree to build such a ship as desired, how soon, and for how much, with such plans and specifications as you may deem it best to send me.”

(Loud cheers.) The extract from the memorandum states that “the ship is to be finished complete, with guns and everything appertaining.” (Renewed cheering and laughter.) On the 14th of August I received another letter from the same gentleman, from which the following is an extract: 

“I have this morning a note from the Assistant-Secretary of the Navy, in which he says, ’I hope your friends will tender for the two-iron plated steamers.’” (Hear, hear.) After this, the firm with which I was lately connected, having made contracts to a large extent with other persons, stated that they were not in a position to undertake any orders to be done in so short a time.  This was the reply: 

“I sent your last letter, received yesterday, to the Secretary of the Navy, who was very desirous to have you build the iron-plated or bomb-proof batteries, and I trust that he may yet decide to have you build one or more of the gunboats.”