[Translation.]

Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward

Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the note you were pleased to address to me of this day’s date, informing me of a despatch from Rear-Admiral Wilkes, and from the evidence which accompanies it, the steamer Noe-Daquy, it appears, is in “reality the property of rebels against the United States, which was intended to run the blockade of Mobile with a cargo which was brought from the Havana to the island of Mugeres by the Spanish schooner Pepita, and that the steamer was captured outside of the maritime jurisdiction of the Mexican republic.” In said note you are pleased to state, besides, that, supposing the Noe-Daquy had been sent to Key West for trial there, it is not to be doubted that the prize court would give due attention to any complaint which the Mexican government might present with reference to said vessel.

Not having yet received the instructions of my government on this subject, I restrict myself to sending to Mexico a copy of your note. If the Mexican government could have before them the evidence to which you make reference, I have no doubt it would contribute to making it form a just idea of what has happened.

[Page 1237]

As to what relates to the disposition the court of prize at Key West may entertain to give due attention to the claims of the Mexican government, I must say to you that, by the reports which have reached my knowledge in respect to this matter, it appears that Rear-Admiral Wilkes forcibly withdrew from the jurisdiction of the Mexican courts a prize which was subject to them, and which they had under trial according to the laws. This constitutes a violation of the maritime sovereignty of Mexico by vessels of the government of the United States. Of this violation I complain, conditionally, in the note I had the honor to address to you on the 23d of February last past, and to obtain reparation therefor, in case it should prove to be true; I could not address myself to the court at Key West, which could not give me proper satisfaction. If from proofs existent in your department, and those Mexico may furnish me, it should appear that the sovereignty of Mexico has not been violated, no more would be left for me to say on this matter, for I should not have any ground for claim.

I avail of this opportunity to repeat to you, sir, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.

M. ROMERO.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.