Mr. Salgar to Mr. Seward.
Sir: At the request of the owners of the steamer R. R. Cuyler I have the honor to inform you that, under instructions from my government, I have concluded for it a contract of purchase, and in conformity therewith she is to be delivered, armed, in such port of the United States of Colombia as in due time may be designated. The owners fear that at the moment of departure some hinderance thereto may be offered, from believing that she is intended for hostile action on some nation with [Page 1079] which the United States of America hold friendly relations, and therefore I have been asked to make this statement.
I avail of the occasion to renew to you the assurances of my very distinguished consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.