[Translation.]

Señor Mesa to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have received special charge to address this note to you for the purpose of bringing to the knowledge of the government of the United States of America the transfer of the federal district and seat of Venezuelan government to this city, which is for a while constituted the capital of the United States of Venezuela, in relation to our constitution and federal laws. This communication has been seasonably made to the diplomatic corps and consuls resident in Caracas, wherefore it is to be supposed that the representative of the government of your excellency will have transmitted it to you as it is his duty.

But, nevertheless, my government has thought proper to address to you this further direct communication of this transfer to Puerto Cabello, because it is necessary to appeal to those relations of peace and friendship which connect it with the United States of America, to claim, as in effect it does claim, the fulfillment of the treaty in force for the purpose of preventing, in the territory or dominions of any of the parties signing the same, acts being done which may have for object to prepare expeditions or acquire materials with which to carry on hostilities against the other parties.

This reclamation rests, sir, on the fact that the faction which has established at Caracas an unconstitutional government has sent its agent, named José Antonio Velutini, for the purpose of obtaining, for the uses of the revolution headed by General José Tadeo Monagas, elements of warfare of all kinds, and among them one or more monitors or iron-clads, with which to attack the vessels and forts held by the constitutional government. My government has just accredited near that of your excellency a diplomatic agent for the special purpose of counteracting the operations of the commissioners of the revolutionists, and to seek in that respect the fulfillment of the obligations existing between both governments as well as the disavowal of the consular or diplomatic employés that the revolution pretends to establish; but wishing to avail of the moment, and to anticipate the delays which the said diplomats might incur on their journey, I send you, in anticipation, the appointment of Commissioner Velutini, hoping that, with the rectitude that is proverbial with your government, it will dispatch without delay all the orders it may deem opportune to prevent the other commissioner from realizing the armament and expedition which he may have set on foot against my government.

My government rests, sir, in the confidence that this note will suffice to put a stop to the operations which its enemies may intend to carry out in the territory of the United States of America, and that they will be prevented and punished in accordance with the treaty in force and the laws of neutrality of the country; and I avail myself of this occasion to offer to you the respectful consideration with which I have the honor to subscribe myself your very obedient servant,

MIGUEL GARCIA MESA.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State of the United States of America.