Mr. Tassara to Mr. Seward
The undersigned, minister plenipotentiary of lier Catholic Majesty, has the honor to receive the note of this date from the department, informing him that the United States steamer Rhode Island and Hornet are about to depart next Monday from this port to go to Havana, to take charge of the Stonewall, whose surrender was made to the Spanish authorities, and which the government of her Majesty has agreed to deliver to the United States, and that Commander Alexander Murray will be the bearer of any communication which I may think proper to address to the captain general on the subject.
Annexed the honorable Secretary of State will find a despatch for the authorities of the island, giving him knowledge of the commission with which these vessels go charged, and introducing their commander.
The undersigned avails of the occasion to reiterate to the honorable Secretary of State of the United States the assurance of his highest consideration.
Hon. Secretary of State of the United States.