[88] From an intercepted circular despatch from J.P. Benjamin, "Secretary of State," addressed in this particular instance to Hon. L.Q.C. Lamar, "Commissioner, etc., St. Petersburg, Russia," and dated Richmond, Jan. 15, 1863; published in the National Intelligencer, March 31, 1863; cf. also the issues of Feb. 19, 1861, April 2, 3, 25, 1863; also published in the pamphlet, The African Slave-Trade: The Secret Purpose, etc. The editors vouch for its authenticity, and state it to be in Benjamin's own handwriting.
[89] L.W. Spratt of South Carolina, in the Southern Literary Messenger, June, 1861, XXXII. 414, 420. Cf. also the Charleston Mercury, Feb. 13, 1861, and the National Intelligencer, Feb. 19, 1861.
[90] Captain Gordon of the slaver "Erie;" condemned in the U.S. District Court for Southern New York in 1862. Cf. Senate Exec. Doc., 37 Cong. 2 sess. I. No. 1, p. 13.
[91] Ibid., pp. 453–4.
[92] Statutes at Large, XII. 132, 219, 639; XIII. 424; XIV. 226, 415; XV. 58, 321. The sum of $250,000 was also appropriated to return the slaves on the "Wildfire": Ibid., XII. 40–41.
[93] Statutes at Large, XII. 368–9.
[94] Senate Exec. Doc., 37 Cong. 2 sess. I. No. 1, pp. 453–4.
[95] Statutes at Large, XII. 531.
[96] For a time not exceeding five years: Ibid., pp. 592–3.
[97] By section 9 of an appropriation act for civil expenses, July 2, 1864: Ibid., XIII. 353.