[35] *FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO THE FLORIDA. No. 1. Minute of Governor Bayley on Consul Whiting's letter of 9th May, 1862. [For this letter see papers respecting the Florida. Appendix, vol. i, p. 14.] I direct an immediate report from the receiver-general as to the truth of the allegations herein contained. Florida. Further The colonial secretary should also notify to the agents of papers. the Oreto that, if they are arming or putting arms on board that vessel, I shall enforce the rules laid down in the Queen's proclamation; for, coupling that fact with the description given me by the captain of Her Majesty's ship Bulldog, of the build of the Oreto, I cannot fail to infer that she is a vessel of war, intended to act against the United States; and as Her Majesty's government have expressed their deliberate intention of observing and preserving neutrality in the Queen's possessions, I shall use my strongest efforts to prevent either of the belligerent powers from arming or equipping vessels of war in this port. Inform the United States consul that I will cause inquiries to be made into the circumstances alleged in his letter. C. J.. B. Minute of receiver-general on Consul Whiting's letter of 9th May, 1862. The British steamer Oreto entered at this office on the 28th April, from Liverpool, (England,) in ballast. She did not enter the harbor, and now lies at Cochrane's Anchorage, and I have no information as to her future proceedings. The British brig Fanny Lewis entered 7th May, from Liverpool, with "assorted cargo, not to be landed." She now lies near Potter's Cay, and I am confident that she has not transferred any part of her cargo, as no permission to do so has been asked, and without a permit she would be subject to a heavy penalty. I cannot tell whether she has any powder on board, as no such article is mentioned in the manifest. F. WHITLEY, Receiver General and Treasurer, 9th May, 1862. No. 2. Receiver-general to colonial secretary. RECEIVER-GENERAL'S OFFICE, SIR: I have every reason to believe that the consignees of the British steamer Oreto (which vessel arrived from Liverpool in ballast) intend shipping large quantities of arms and munition of war as cargo. [36] *I think it my duty to mention this circumstance for the information of his excellency the governor, and shall be glad to attend to any instruction his excellency may be pleased to issue. Probably application may be made to allow cargo from other vessels to be transferred to the Oreto, where she now lies. I have the honor to be, sir, you obedient servant, F. WHITLEY, The Hon. C. R. NESBITT, Receiver-General and Treasurer. Colonial Secretary, Nassau. No. 3. Commander M'Killop, Her Majesty's ship Bulldog, to Governor Bailey. HER MAJESTY'S SHIP BULLDOG, Nassau, May 28, 1862. SIR: Several steamers having anchored at Cochrane's Anchorage, I sent an officer yesterday to visit them and muster their crews, and ascertain what they were and how employed. The officer reported that one steamer, the Oreto, is apparently fitting and preparing for a vessel of war. Under those circumstances I would suggest that she should come into the harbor of Nassau, to prevent any misunderstanding as to her equipping in this port contrary to the foreign-enlistment act, as a privateer or war-vessel. I am, &c., His Excellency the GOVERNOR, Nassau. H. T. M'KILLOP, Commander. No. 4. The colonial secretary to the attorney-general. COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE, Nassau, May 28, 1862. SIR: I am directed by the governor to say that his excellency desires to know whether it is contrary to law to order the Oreto to come down to the harbor, as the commander of the Bulldog has reported her to have the appearance of a privateer arming herself. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, C. R. NESBITT, The attorney-general to the colonial secretary. ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S OFFICE, SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this day's date, and have, in answer, to state that I am of opinion that |