These gentlemen, Mr.
Myers, the Paymaster of the Sumter, and Mr.Tunstall, a private Southern gentleman, had been despatched by Captain Semmes from Gibraltar to Cadiz, in search of coal.

The vessel in which they embarked touched at Tangier, and the two Americans landed for the purpose of inspecting the curious old Moorish city.

No sooner were they on shore than the United States Consul hastened to the authorities, denounced his enemies, and demanded their arrest, alleging that it was authorized by treaty stipulation with the United States.

After vainly imploring advice from the representatives of the Christian Powers, the sorely perplexed authorities complied with this demand, and the two Confederates were seized, heavily ironed, and kept prisoners in the Consul's house.

At the very first opportunity they communicated with Captain Semmes, and he with his usual promptitude at once despatched the following letter to the Governor of Gibraltar:-- C.S.Steamer Sumter, Bay of Gibraltar, February 22nd, 1862.
Sir,--I have the honour to ask the good offices of His Excellency the Governor of Gibraltar in a matter purely my own.