393. Milne to Dunlop

[Milne Mss MLN/116/3 [8]]

Halifax

1 November 1861

My dear Commodore

The Milan French Steamer sails today for Havanah via Bermuda[.] I therefore write by her instead of via New York[.]

Ariadne has no doubt fallen in with you and gone on to Vera Cruz, but with reference to any operations on that coast I have not as yet received any definite orders, but I Expect them next mail[.] I had a hint to move south towards V[era] Cruz and therefore go to Bermuda about [the] 18th unless detained by Mail from England[,] which is due here [on the] 17th[,] and if I get orders to go to V Cruz I may probably be off Havanah Early in Decr[,] but of this I would send you notice[.] France is sending 5 Frigates from Europe and some of the French Squadron on this Station will Join. Emerald I Expect Every hour and 2 Sail of the Line from England are coming to Bermuda[.] I will be obliged to leave a Squadron there to watch the American Coast. Matters with us are not so satisfactory, Therefore be on your guard, but say nothing about it[.]

Immortalite sailed yesterday for New York[.] If Lord Lyon's wishes it she will accompany the U.S. Expedition to the South. I send you a Copy of Hancock's orders1 for your information. I am not quite comfortable at having a Ship so Employed[,] dogging The Expedition[.] St. George & Mersey go to Bermuda to wait my arrival[.]

Diadem[,] Jason & Rinaldo are to remain until next mail when[,] if I have orders to move South[,] I will send one of the Ships on to Jamaica to order the Colliers to V Cruz[,] also some 500 Tons more [sic]. Provisions I will bring down[,] as much as the ships can stow.

I have no special news for you from this. we are all well …

The probable squadron for V C will be Nile[,] St. George[,] Mersey[,] Ariadne, Diadem, Challenger, Immortalite and some small vessels.

394. Milne to Lord Lyons

[Lyons Mss Box 192]

HMS Nile, Halifax

4 November 1861

[received 14 November]

Private

My dear Lord Lyons

I have been disappointed by the French Steamer of War not going to Boston as I was led to Expect, having delayed writing to you in detail with the intention of doing so by that opportunity.