(Loud cheers.) I think, perhaps, in the present state of the law in America, I shall not be asked to give the name of my correspondent (hear), but he is a gentleman of the highest respectability.  If any honourable member wishes, I should have no hesitation in handing the whole correspondence, with the original letters, into the hands of you, sir, or the First Minister of the Crown, in strict confidence, because there are communications in these letters respecting the views of the American Government which I certainly should not divulge, which I have not mentioned or alluded to before.  But seeing that the American Government are making so much work about other parties, whom they charge with violating or evading the law, though in reality they have not done so, I think it only fair to state those facts. (Cheers.) As I said before, they are facts. (Hear, hear.) I do not feel at liberty to state those points to which I have referred, as being of a confidential character, but, if any honourable gentleman feels a doubt regarding the accuracy of what I have stated, I shall feel happy to place the documents in the hands of the Speaker, or of the First Minister of the Crown, when he will see that they substantiate much more than I have stated. (Cheers.) I do not wish to occupy the House longer; but I must say this, that to talk of freedom in a land like the Northern States of America is an absurdity.  Almost every detective that can be got hold of in this country is employed.  (Hear, hear.) I believe there are spies in my son’s works in Birkenhead, and in all the great establishments in the country.  A friend of mine had detectives regularly on his track in consequence of some circumstances connected with his vessels.  If that be freedom, I think we had better remain in the position in which we now are.  (Cheers and laughter.) In conclusion, I will allude to a remark which was made elsewhere last night—­a remark, I presume, applying to me or to somebody else, which was utterly uncalled for. (Hear.) I have only to say that I would rather be handed down to posterity as the builder of a dozen Alabamas than as the man who applies himself deliberately to set class against class (loud cheers), and to cry up the institutions of another country, which, when they come to be tested, are of no value whatever, and which reduce liberty to an utter absurdity. (Cheers.)

No.  IV.

THE ENGAGEMENT WITH THE HATTERAS.

From the Journal of an Officer of the ALABAMA.

Sunday, 11th.—­Fine moderate breeze from the eastward.  Read Articles of War.  Noon:  Eighteen miles from Galveston.  As I write this some are discussing the probability of a fight before morning. 2.25 P.M.:  Light breeze; sail discovered by the look-out on the bow.  Shortly after, three, and at last five, vessels were seen; two of which were reported to be steamers.  Every one delighted at the prospect of a fight, no doubt whatever existing as to their being war-vessels—­blockaders