Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward .

No. 7.]

Sir: I have the honor to enclose the royal decree, published by the official gazette this morning, with its translation, (explained in No. 6.)

The minister of state has to-day, whilst acknowledging that its provisions are in great part taken from the French decree, drawn my attention to the fact that he has avoided the use of the expression belligerents as far as possible, or any other which could be considered as prejudging the question of right in any manner.

He also drew my attention to the fact that, though the decree proclaims neutrality, it expressly prohibits any supplies to be furnished to privateers in the Spanish ports, whilst vessels-of-war may be provided and equipped with all they need; and this provision tells exclusively against the party issuing letters of marque.

The preamble also is less objectionable than some other documents which have seen the light in Europe.

With the highest respect, sir, your obedient servant,

HORATIO J. PERRY.

Hon. Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State.

[Translation.]

ministry of state.—royal decree.

Taking into consideration the relations which exist between Spain and the United States of America, and the desirability that the reciprocal sentiments of good intelligence should not be changed by reason of the grave events which have taken place in that republic, I have resolved to maintain the most strict neutrality in the contest begun between the federal States of the Union and the States confederated at the south; and in order to avoid the damage which might come to my subjects and to navigation, and to commerce, from the want of clear provisions to which to adjust their conduct in consonance with my council of ministers, I do decree the following:

Article 1. It is forbidden in all the ports of the monarchy to arm, provide, or equip any privateer vessel, whatever may be the flag she displays.

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Art. 2. It is forbidden in like manner to the owners, masters, or captains of merchant vessels to accept letters of marque, or contribute in any way whatsoever to the armanent or equipment of vessels-of-war or privateers.

Art. 3. It is forbidden to vessels-of-war or privateers with their prizes to enter or to remain for more than twenty-four hours in the ports of the monarchy, except in case of stress of weather. Whenever this last shall occur, the authorities will keep watch over the vessel and oblige her to get out to sea the soonest possible without permitting her to take in any stores except the purely necessary for the moment, but in no case arms nor supplies for war.

Art. 4. Articles proceeding from prizes shall not be sold in the ports of the monarchy.

Art. 5 The transportation under the Spanish flag of all articles of commerce is guaranteed, except when they are directed to blockaded ports. The transportation of effects of war is forbidden, as well as the carrying of papers or communications for belligerents. Transgressors shall be responsible for their acts, and shall have no right to the protection of my government.

Art. 6. It is forbidden to all Spaniards to enlist in the belligerent armies or take service on board of vessels-of-war or privateers.

Art. 7. My subjects will abstain from every act which, in violation of the laws of the kingdom, can be considered as contrary to neutrality.

Art. 8. Those who violate the foregoing provisions shall have no right to the protection of my government, shall suffer the consequences of the measures which the belligerents may dictate, and shall be punished according to the laws of Spain.


SIGNED WITH THE ROYAL HAND.
The minister of state,
SATURNINO CALDERON COLLANTES.