Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress with the Annual Message of the President, December 2, 1872, Part II, Volume I

Mr. Fish, Secretary of State, to Mr. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury.

Department of State,
Washington, September 14, 1869.

Sir: Having this day received information which leads me to think that one of the Spanish gun-boats seized several weeks since at New York, by the President’s order, and subsequently committed to the custody of the commandant of the navy-yard there, is in readiness for service and may attempt to depart thence, I have the lion or to suggest that such instructions may be issued by your Department as will insure the exercise of proper vigilance on the part of the customs authorities of New York to prevent the issuing of a clearance to such vessel should application for one be made.

I have the honor to be, &c.,

HAMILTON FISH.

Hon. George S. Boutwell,
Secretary of the Treasury.