Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Third Session of the Fortieth Congress

Mr. Seward to Señor Garcia.

Department op State, Washington, December 19,1868.

Sir: Having communicated a copy of your telegram of the 11th instant, with a note to Mr. Goñi, the minister of Spain, near this government, with reference to the report that two Spanish vessels of war were cruising off Balize with hostile intention, I have now the honor to transmit a copy of his reply thereto, under date of the 13th.

I avail myself of the occasion to offer to you a renewed assurance of my high consideration.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Señor Don José Antonio Garcia y Garcia, &c., &c., &c.

[Translation.]

Señor Goñi to Mr. Seward.

Legation of Spain, Washington, December 13, 1868.

F Goñi presents his respects to the honorable Secretary of State, and on the subject of the telegram which Mr. Garcia y Garcia sent in the day before yesterday to the Department of State, declares himself authorized by official news to say, that there are not at the point indicated, nor in any other, any Spanish vessels with hostile intentions; every motive for alarm being wanting, as well as for the groundless intimations of the telegram.

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