No. 1116.]
Department of State,
Washington,
October 7, 1864.
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
[Confidential.]
Mr. Savage to Mr. Seward.
No. 207.]
United States Consulate
General,
Havana,
September 22, 1864.
Sir: The Spanish brig Yucatan, Rey, master,
was cleared yesterday ostensibly for Fernando Po and Annobon
(Spanish possessions in Africa) by a Portuguese, named Miranda. The
cargo cleared at the custom-house consists of
365 packages of provisions, 10 boxes of sugar, 315 arrobes of
coffee; 20 M cigars, 1 case of Cologne-water, 1 case,
(medicine-chest)) 20 empty casks, and 340 pipes of rum— aguardiente;
this may be water.
[Page 324]
I am informed that the real person interested is his excellency the
post captain, Du Francisco Marty y Torrens, and that the object of
the voyage is to bring African negroes. Marty has not been by any
means a stranger to this kind of business in the course of his long
life.
I am also advised that a steamer with a load of negroes is now
momently expected from Africa, under command of the notorious slaver
captain, Eugenio Vinas. The parties charged with the duty of
receiving the expedition have already gone to the place where it is
to be landed. It is said that Don Jose. Oarreras is the party
interested, which is quite probable. If this is the case, we may say
that the principal owners are Don Salvador Sarnd, Brigadier Mu-noz,
&c.
Should the expedition be landed I will endeavor to ascertain all
particulars connected therewith and send them to the department.
With great respect, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State; Washington.
