Mr. Seward to Mr. Hale.
Sir: The consul of the United States at Malaga has communicated to this department the particulars of a mutinous affray which took place, on the 21st of October last, on board an American vessel lying in that port named the Abd-el-Kader. The captain and mate of the vessel were assaulted and severely wounded, and but for the timely interference of the officers of the Spanish revenue boat Alerta, who caused the arrest of the mutineers and their delivery to the United States consul, the affair would no doubt have proved a more serious one than it did.
[Page 3]You will, upon the receipt of this instruction, make the above-mentioned facts known to the minister for foreign affairs of her Catholic Majesty, and convey in suitable terms the acknowledgments of this government for the friendly assistance given by the officers of the Alerta.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
John P. Hale Esq., &c., &c., &c.