Mr. Seward to Mr. Shufeldt.
Sir: Your despatches of the 28th of November (110) and December 3 (111) which relate to the case of Demetrio de Bustamente, a naturalized Spaniard, have been received. It is a source of satisfaction that the affair has gone off, either really or apparently, by accident, without rendering any direct proceeding upon it by this government necessary. The national interest is benefited by avoiding, so far as possible, all occasions of irritation in our foreign intercourse. Such occasions unavoidably occur often enough, as incidents of our present internal distraction, without our seeking to multiply them. I do not think it expedient, therefore, to raise a question about the effect of naturalization, except when a case inviting it has actually arisen.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
R. W. Shufeldt, Esq., United States Consul General, Havana.