British and Foreign State Papers

flag, and I have to assure you that Her Majesty's officers will have great pleasure in co-operating with you in any single way you may think fit to suggest; the steamers especially are at your disposal to tow your vessels or boats to any portion of the coast where American slavers are known to be cruizing, and I have directed that you are kept informed of the proceedings of those vessels.

I beg to inclose for your information, the particulars of the slavers under American colours which are either now on the coast or may be daily expected, and I have to request that you will be good enough to communicate these particulars to your Commanderin-chief and the American cruizers generally.

Commander Colhoun.

I have, &c.

CHAS. WISE.

SOUTH-EAST COAST OF AMERICA STATION.

No. 165.-Rear-Admiral Sir S. Lushington to the Sec". to the Admiralty. SIR, Leopard, off Rio de Janeiro, September 20, 1859. I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, the copy of a letter from the Honourable William Stuart, Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Rio de Janeiro, respecting the French ship Splendide, which arrived at that port about a fortnight since, and is reported to be employed, under a contract with the French Government, for the reception of 800 Africans, whom she purposes obtaining on the Congo coast, and conveying to one of the French West Indian Colonies.

It is also reported that the Splendide has on board two Government Commissioners and two medical officers of the French navy, and that she is to meet on the West Coast of Africa two American vessels which have been engaged under the same contract and for the same purpose.

I have communicated privately with Rear-Admiral de Chabannes, the Commander-in-chief of the French naval forces on this station, who informed me that the particulars were correct and perfectly legal, as it was the intention of the Government to obtain free African labour, and not slaves. The Secretary to the Admiralty.

SIB,

I have, &c. STEPHEN LUSHINGTON.

(Inclosure.)-Mr. Stuart to Rear-Admiral Sir S. Lushington. Rio de Janeiro, September 8, 1859. I THINK it right to acquaint you that a French vessel named the Splendide, now in the harbour, has been reported to me as fitting

out for the reception of 800 Africans, whom she purposes to take on board off the Congo coast.

It appears that the Splendide lately arrived here from the Mediterranean with a cargo of Arab horses, after landing at Ceará some camels with which she had also been laden, and that she professes to be employed under a contract with the French Government for the purpose of conveying African labourers to some of the French West Indian colonies. She is said to have slave-decks, and to be receiving a large supply of farinha and water.

It is further stated that she has on board two medical officers of the French navy as passengers, and she is likely to sail hence in 4 or 5 days. I have, &c.