Extract from the Autobiography of Thomas Jefferson Coolidge
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December 13. The rebel steamer “Nashville” is lying at Southampton waiting to be repaired. She burned on her way out the American ship “Harvey Birch,” in ballast, and brought the crew in irons to England. She has no letters of marque and I believe is not a national vessel, though Pegram, the commander, shows a commission from Jeff Davis as lieutenant. The sympathies of the English Government are so much on their side that I am afraid she will be allowed to refit and prey on our commerce. A letter from my Uncle George. He had been to call on Colonel Lee and Major Revere in prison and given them a change of clothing. He had, however, to leave Richmond and join his regiment, of which he is colonel. [He became afterwards rebel Secretary of War.]