Mr. Fish, Secretary of State, to Mr. Robeson, Secretary of the Navy.
Washington, August 10, 1869.
Sir: The President having decided to transfer the custody of the Spanish gun-boats seized for a violation of the neutrality law to the Navy Department, I have the honor to inform you that these vessels are now in the possession and custody of Francis C. Barlow, esq., the marshal for the southern district of New York.
[763] The contractor is constructing them for the Spanish government. Four of them are at Delamater’s yard, at the foot of Thirteenth street, North River, in the harbor of New York Five are at Green Point; six are at Poillon’s yards, in Brooklyn, and fifteen in Mystic River, in Connecticut, all in the custody of keepers appointed by the marshal, the original seizure was made under an order from the Attorney-General to the district attorney for the southern district of New York. Both the district attorney and the marshal have received or*ders to surrender the vessels into the hands of such officers of the Navy as shall be designated by you to receive them.
The President desires you to prevent these vessels from sailing till permission is given to do so.
I have the honor to be, &c.,
Hon. George M. Robeson,
Secretary of the Navy.