No. 97.
Mr. Fish to Mr. Hurlbut.
Washington, February 26, 1872.
Sir: Upon further consideration of the case of the Montijo in connection with your dispatch No. 73, it has occurred to me that it might be advisable, before determining upon the course which this Government ought to adopt in view of the denial of its accountability by the government of Colombia, to give that government an opportunity to review its determination.
You will consequently inform that government of this disposition on our part; that we have no interest in being at variance with Colombia, no feeling other than a friendly one for her, but that we cannot forego the duty of requiring her, as an independent power, to discharge her obligations as such to the United States and their citizens.
I am, &c,