Mr. Seward to Mr. Tassara.
The undersigned, Secretary of State of the United States, duly received the note of Mr. Tassara, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of her Catholic Majesty, of the 28th ultimo, making representations in regard to the course of Major General Butler, at New Orleans, with reference to the Spanish steamer Cardenas and the United States steamer Roanoke, which had arrived there from Havana since the former port had been partially opened to trade by the President’s proclamation of the 12th of May, 1862.
The absence of the undersigned from the seat of government for some time [Page 523] after Mr. Tassara’s note reached the department has occasioned the delay in replying to that communication.
The complaint against General Butler in the case of the Cardenas is, in substance, that he caused that vessel to be ordered into quarantine after she had been allowed to land her passengers at New Orleans—a proceeding alleged to be premature according to the sanitary regulations in force under the laws of the State of Louisiana.
In the case of the Roanoke, Mr. Tassara represents that upon the refusal of Mr. Callegan to sign the bill of health of that vessel, which was to touch at Havana on her way from New Orleans, General Butler made use of threatening language to the consul, and with reference to the captain general of Cuba.
This important complaint, as well as the allegation in the case of the Cardenas, will be a proper subject of investigation by the special agent of this government who is now at New Orleans. A copy of Mr. Tassara’s communication will consequently be sent to him with instructions to proceed accordingly.
The undersigned avails himself of this occasion to offer to Mr. Tassara a renewed assurance of his very high consideration.
Señor Don Gabriel Garcia y Tassara, &c., &c., &c.