The question of expense, too, is to be considered--the expenses of the ship, with the utmost economy, being, in round numbers, 1000 dollars per month.

Should you decide upon giving me the order, do me the favour to telegraph me as follows, viz.:--"Your request is granted--act accordingly." Address me also by mail, as it will take some days to wind up affairs, and I shall have ample time to receive your letter before leaving for London.
Respectfully, &c.

&c.

(Signed) R.SEMMES Hon.Jas.Mason, Com., &c., London.] This he did very promptly, and in a few days afterwards I discharged and paid off in full all the crew, except ten men, and detached all the officers, except Midshipman Armstrong and a Master's Mate.

I placed Mr.
Armstrong in charge of the ship, supplied him with money and provisions sufficient for himself and his diminished crew for ten months, and departed myself for London, whither most of the officers also repaired on their way to the Confederate States.