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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1896 Excerpt:...as completely as did Captain Kidd when he abandoned the occupation of a pseudo man-of-war in order to reap the richer gains of open piracy in those very Indian seas whither the Shenandoah has gone. Australian gold ships are more valuable than the tawdry jewels and scanty treasure of a petty Indian prince. To go to Loanda would delay my arrival at the cape a month later than we would reach that point by running down the trades. Taking all these points into consideration, I feel that it is my duty to proceed to the cape direct, and I sincerely hope that the Department will sustain me in this decision, although it may seem to conflict with the letter of my orders regarding Loanda. In this trust, I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT Townsnm), Commander, U. S. Navy, Commanding W achusett. Hon. GIDEON WELLES,. Secretary of the Navy. Endorsementq It was desired that he should touch at Loanda to take some of our coal at that place. G. V. Fox. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Acting Secretary of State, relative to the C'. S. ram Stonewall. N AVY DEPARTMENT, April 29, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to return herewith dispatches Nos. 180, 181, and 182, from the U. S. minister at Madrid, relative to the rebel ram Stmwwall, which were transmitted to me with your letter ot' the 22d instant, and in doing so desire to refer briefly to a few leading points in connection with that vessel, inasmuch as Mr. Perry expresses regret that it has not been in the power of the Navy Department to send out an adequate force to control her movements. It seems important that I should do so, in order that our minister may be advised of--and it is hoped may appreciate--the motives and causes which have operated to prevent the appearance...