Letter from Messrs. D. R. King & Co., Philadelphia, to Secretary of the Nary, requesting naval convoy or armament for California steamers.
Philadelphia, May 20, 1861.
Dear Sir: We have for several years past been in the habit of making large and regular shipments to California in Vanderbilt’s steamers, but at present fear the risk of capture is too great to continue to do so unless we have your assurance of either a naval convoy or armament.
Our object in writing is to suggest to you whether it would not be practicable to put these ships in commission and put a force of marines and a pivot gun of long range on board of each. An assurance from the Government that measures had been adopted for the full protection of the California steamers will allay much anxiety on the part of those who are shipping goods or who expect remittances.
If you can ?nd time from your present arduous engagements to reply to‘ our communication, you will confer a great favor not only on ourselves, but also on a large number of other persons who are deeply interested.
We are, very respectfully, your obedient servants,
D. R. King & Co.
Hon. Gideon Welles.