Sunday, July 7.—Morning clear and beautiful, the waters of the little harbor clear and sparkling, and the bright green of the vegetation on shore looking picturesque and cheerful. At 8 a. m., Lieutenant Chapman, whom I had sent to town yesterday to look after the prizes, make arrangements for coaling, and present a dispatch to the governor, returned, bringing with him a couple of Cuban gentlemen (Isnaga and Dias), warm sympathizers in our cause. I appointed one of them prize agent (Don Mariano Dias). One hundred tons of coal and about 5,000 gallons of water were towed alongside for us during the day, and were got in. Fresh provisions were also sent on board for the crew. About 10 p.m. I received a reply from the governor. He informed me that the captain-general had instructed him as follows, viz: First. No cruiser of either party can bring their prizes into Spanish ports. Second. If in my captures the territory of Cuba has been violated, the Spanish courts will themselves judge of the matter. Third. My prizes will be detained until the Queen can be heard from. We got up our anchor soon after 11 p.m., and passed outside the harbor at midnight. Nothing of our prize brig, the Cuba, and Midshipman Hudgins.
Extracts from the journal of Commander Semmes, C.S. Navy, commanding C.S.S. Sumter
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