I wrote to the Governor, informing him of the violation of the neutrality of the port by the Iroquois, and desiring him to apply the proper remedy:-- C.S.steamer Sumter, St.Pierre, Island of Martinique, November 15th, 1861.
SIR,--I have the honor to inform your Excellency that I am closely blockaded in this port by the enemy's steam sloop-of-war Iroquois, of twice my force.

This vessel, in defiance of the law of nations, and in contempt of the neutrality of this island, has boldly entered the harbour, and without coming to anchor is cruising backwards and forwards in a menacing attitude, not only within the marine league of the shore, but within less than a ship's length of this vessel, which is moored not more than one hundred yards from the beach.

During the past night she several times approached me within fifty or a hundred yards.

I deem it my duty to acquaint your Excellency with these facts, and to invoke your authority for the preservation of my just rights within your waters.

I take the following principles, applicable to the present case, to be well settled by the law of nations:--Firstly, that no act of hostility, proximate or remote, can be committed by any belligerent in neutral waters; secondly, that when a cruiser of one belligerent takes refuge within the waters of a neutral power, a cruiser of the opposite belligerent cannot follow her into those waters for purposes of hostility, proximate or remote.