[Translation.]

Mr. Tassara to Mr. Seward.

The undersigned, minister plenipotentiary of her Catholic Majesty, thinks he should bring to the knowledge of the honorable Secretary of State of the United States that at pier 33, North river, New York, there lies a craft called La Oriental, which is advertised for Montevideo, and which, according to all suspicions, is intended to enter the Chilian service. La Oriental is to sail to-morrow (11th) or day after, (12th.) Among the circumstances which render this vessel suspicious is that, besides two cannon which she has on board, there lie on the dock near by, and half hidden, two other new rifled cannon, which it is thought are intended to be shipped at the last moment. The vessel has been much frequented now by persons who seem to be from South America, and, notwithstanding the close approach of the day of sailing, she has yet on board no cargo but some charcoal. To this may be added the not insignificant circumstance that two months’ pay is advanced to the men of her crew.

The undersigned requests of the honorable Secretary of State that orders be issued to the custom-house that the Oriental be detained until it be possible to produce better evidence or make her real destination clear.

The undersigned avails of the occasion to reiterate to the honorable Secretary of State of the United States the assurance of his highest consideration.

GABRIEL G. TASSARA.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.