10.  During his passage to this port Captain Semmes chased another American vessel, the Martha Wentzel, standing in for Table Bay.  On my pointing out to him that he had done so in neutral waters, he assured me that it was quite unintentional, and, being at a distance from the land, he did not observe that he had got within three miles of an imaginary line drawn from the Cape of Good Hope to Cape Hanglip, but on discovering it he did not detain the vessel.  The explanation I considered sufficient.

11.  The tender Tuscaloosa, having been detained by a strong south-easter, got under way for the purpose of going to sea on the 14th instant, but anchored again a little distance from the Roman Rock lighthouse in consequence of thick fog prevailing.

12.  The Alabama did not take in any coal, either here or at Table Bay, but after being caulked she proceeded to sea on the 15th instant, followed by the Tuscaloosa.  Their destinations are unknown.

13.  On the 16th instant, the Confederate States steamer Georgia, Commander Maury, anchored in this bay.  She requires coal, provision, and caulking.  This vessel did not meet the Alabama outside.

14.  The Florida, another Confederate States steamer, is reported to be off this coast, probably cruising to intercept the homeward-bound American ships from China; indeed, it is with that object these ships are on this part of the Station.

15.  I have learnt, since the departure of the Alabama, and her so-called tender, that overtures were made by some parties in Cape Town to purchase the cargo of wool, but, being unsatisfactory, they were not accepted.  It is reported to be Captain Semmes’ intention to destroy the Tuscaloosa at sea.

16.  The Alabama is a steamer of about 900 tons, with 8 guns, and 150 men.  The Georgia is an iron steamer of about 700 tons, with 5 guns, and 110 men.  The Tuscaloosa is a sailing-barque of 500 tons, having 2 small guns and 10 men.

Captain Semmes, C.S.N., to Governor Sir P. Wodehouse.  August 1, 1863.

An opportunity is offered me by the coasting schooner Atlas, to communicate with the Cape, of which I promptly avail myself.

I have the honour to inform your Excellency that I arrived in this bay on Wednesday morning last, for the purpose of effecting some necessary repairs.  As soon as these repairs can be completed I will proceed to sea, and in the meantime your Excellency may rest assured that I will pay the strictest attention to the neutrality of your Government.

Rear-Admiral Sir B. Walker to Governor Sir P. Wodehouse.  August 7, 1863.

Captain Forsyth having informed me that the Alabama has a tender outside captured by Captain Semmes on the coast of America, and commissioned by one of the Alabama’s Lieutenants, and as this vessel has been ordered into Simon’s Bay for provisions, may I request your Excellency will be good enough to obtain the opinion of the Law Officers whether this vessel ought still to be looked upon in the light of a prize, she never having been condemned in a Prize Court; the instructions, copy of which I inclose, strictly forbidding prizes captured by either of the contending parties in North America being admitted into our ports.