Mr. Hunter to Mr. Tassara
Sir: It is undersood by this department that the insurgent ram Stonewall which was recently at the port of Nassau, started thence with the intention of proceeding to Havana, probably for the purpose of taking in further supplies in order that she might continue the prosecution of piratical ravages on the commerce of the United States. The President hopes, however, that his excellency the captain general of Cuba, in view of the recent sudden and great change of affairs in this country, by which insurgent resistance to the government of the United States may be considered as virtually at an end, may deem himself warranted in refusing to comply with any application on behalf of the Stone-wall for that purpose. If, however, that functionary should pursue a different course owing to a failure to appreciate the change of circumstances in this country adverted to, or from any opinion that it would be necessary for him to await instructions from Madrid, such a decision would be much regretted by this government.
[Page 570]It is desirable that you should address his excellency the captain general of Cuba on this subject, and communicate to him a copy of the proclamation of the President of the United States on the 10th instant.
At the same time you may inform him that it is hoped that the high estimate which is entertained here of his prudence and justice will have no occasion to be abated by a continuance of hospitalities to insurgent cruisers in the ports of that island.
I avail myself of the occasion to offer to you renewed assurances of my highest consideration.
Señor Don Gabriel Garcia y Tassara, &c., &c., Washington.