would appear from these expressions that the only protection I am to receive against the blockade of the enemy is a simple promise exacted from that enemy, that he will keep himself without the marine league of the land; the Governor in the meantime exercising no watch by night or by day to see whether this promise is complied with.  In addition to the facts related by me yesterday, I have this morning to report that one of my officers, being on shore in the northern environs of the town last night, between eight and nine o’clock, saw two boats, each pulling eight oars, the men dressed in dark clothing, with the caps usually worn by seamen of the Northern States, pulling quietly in towards the beach.  He distinctly heard a conversation between them in English, one of them saying—­“Harry, there she is; I see her”—­in allusion, doubtless, to the presence of my vessel.  These boats, no doubt, have orders to make signal to the Iroquois the moment they discover me under way.  Now, with all due deference to his Excellency the Governor, I cannot see the difference between the violation of the neutrality of these waters by the enemy’s boats, and by his ship.  And if no strict surveillance is to be “exercised either by night or by day,” I am receiving very much such protection as the wolf would accord to the lamb.  Is it an act of love for the enemy to approach me with his boats for the purpose of reconnaissance, and especially during the night? and I have the same right to demand that he keep his boats beyond the marine league as that he keep his ship at that distance.  Nor am I willing to rely upon his promise, that he will not infringe my rights in this particular.  It appears to me further, especially after the knowledge of the facts which I have brought to your notice, that it is the duty of France to exercise surveillance over her own water, “both by night and by day,” when an enemy’s cruiser is blockading a friendly belligerent, who has sought the asylum in those waters accorded to him by the law of nations.  I have, therefore, respectfully to request that you will keep a-watch by means of guard boats, at both points of this harbour, to prevent the repetition of the hostile act which was committed against me last night; or, if you will not do this yourself, that you will permit me to arm boats and capture the enemy when so approaching me.  It would seem quite plain, either that I should be protected, or be permitted to protect myself.  Further, it is in plain violation of neutrality for the enemy to be in daily communication with the shore, whether by means of his own boats, or boats from the shore.  If he needs supplies, it is his duty to come in for them; and if he comes in, he must anchor; and if he anchor, he must accept the condition of remaining twenty-four hours after my departure.  It is a mere subterfuge for him to remain in the offing, and supply himself with all he needs, besides reconnoitreing me closely by means of boats.  I protest against