Series II: Letters, 1849

The bulk of the letters are from Commander Powell in Rio de Janeiro to Commodore Storer, written between July and September of 1849, and concern preparations to carry out his orders to “proceed without delay to the Coast of Africa,” and to suppress the slave trade. Powell comments on the ship’s condition and the status of provisions, and comments on receipt of the “new guns.” In October 1849 Powell reports that “a slaver” had made port northeast of Rio and transferred slaves to a waiting steamer. He also comments briefly on conditions on the Rio de la Plata, and in Montevideo, Uruguay.

In addition, the correspondence contains Powell's detailed report on the test comparison of the naval nand 32 pounder guns.