The officers returned from St.Pierre, and reported that coal was to be had, but that the Collector of Customs had prohibited the merchants from sending it to us.

Wrote to the Governor on the Subject:-- Confederate States' steamer Sumter, Port Royal, Nov.

12th, 1861.
SIR,--In the interview which I had the honour to hold with your Excellency on Saturday last, the 9th inst.

I understood your Excellency to assent to the proposition that I might go into the market at St.
Pierre, and purchase such supplies as I might stand in need of, coal included.

The precise position assumed by your Excellency was, that you would neither assent nor prohibit.