Mr. Seward to Mr. Koerner.
Sir:Your despatch of December 2, No. 67, has been received.
I have carefully weighed the correspondence which accompanied that paper, intended to elucidate and define the maritime boundary question which is to be submitted by treaty to the arbitrament of his Majesty the King of the Belgians, and I accept the note of the Marquis of Miraflores as excluding the idea of consent on the part of the United States to the claim asserted in that respect on the part of Spain, which is all that was necessary, and all that was desired, while at the same time it leaves Spain at liberty to maintain the allegation. Mr. Tassara informs me that he has not yet received his power to execute the treaty.
I thank you very sincerely for the interesting account you have given me of the condition of domestic politics in Spain, and I have read, also, with profound attention, your remarks on the proposition by the French emperor of a European congress.
It is gratifying to all who are well-wishers of Spain, as we are, to know that her financial and material conditions exhibit a substantial and encouraging improvement.
We shall look with considerable interest for the explanation of the new system of administration in Cuba which you have promised to send so soon as that system is fully matured.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Gustavus Koerner, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Madrid.