No. 89.
Mr. Hunter to Mr. Hurlbut.
Washington, November 8, 1871.
Sir: Your dispatch No. 60, of the 29th September last, in relation to the case of the steamer Montijo, has been received.
You represent that the state of public opinion and the defects in the Colombian laws are unfavorable to the punishment of the captors of the Montijo, and express a “hope that the demand for reparation by punishment of the chiefs of the offenders will not be dropped.”
You will be informed by the dispatch addressed to you by this Department on the 11th ultimo (No. 46) that “it is expected that the offenders in the case of the steamer Montijo will be prosecuted without any delay which can, be avoided.”
You will give the Colombian government to understand that we see no sufficient reason for the adoption of a different course, and you will persist in a demand for the punishment of the parties adverted to.
The intention which you make known of presenting the claim of the owners, master, &c, of the steamer Montijo, for damages, is approved.
Your request for a vessel of war on the coast has been referred to [Page 141] the Secretary of the Navy, whose reply, when received, will be communicated to you.
I am, &c,
Acting Secretary.