Report of Captain Ritchie, U. S. Navy, senior officer present in Bay of Panama, relative to mail steamers.
U. S. S. Saranac,
Bay of Panama, May 22, 1861.
Sir: Communications from the Department of dates April 27 and May 1 have been received, together with the President’s proclamation in regard to pretended letters of marque.
Having been notified by the Pacific Mail Steamship Company of the supposed presence of privateers in the Pacific, I had partly anticipated the orders of the Department by directing Commander Bissell, now at Acapulco, to cruise with the Cyane between that port and Manzanilla; and have also dispatched an order to Commander Porter, at San Francisco to expedite the repairs on the St. Mary’s, and when in readiness for sea to repair at once to Manzanilla and cooperate with Captain Bissell in affording protection to the mail steamers along the most exposed line of coast.
By the English mail steamer sailing hence on the 24th instant I will forward instructions to Captain Hunt to proceed immediately with the Narragansett to the relief of the Cyane, which latter vessel, after receiving her stores at this port, will be dispatched to Callao and discharge the duties of the Narragansett at that place.
Captain ( J. K.] Mitchell’s last communication states that he expected to sail from San Francisco with the Wyoming for this port about the 1st instant. Should I hear, however, of the further detention of that vessel, I will direct Captain Mitchell to remain with the Wyoming at San Francisco and afford protection to our interests at that point. In my orders to Commander Bissell I have directed special vigilance to be exercised on the arrival and departure of the mail steamers at the port of Acapulco, and will instruct Captain Hunt to the same effect.
Copies of instructions received from the Department will be forwarded to the flag-officer by the earliest conveyance .
I am , very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Robt. Ritchie,
Captain , Senior Officer present.
Hon. Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.