[10] *Mr. Goodloe, district attorney, to Mr. Ashton, Acting Attorney-General.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2d instant, inclosing a copy of a dispatch addressed to the Secretary of [Page 764] State of the United States, by the minister of Spain, relative to a case of supposed intended violation of the neutrality laws in this district.

I have addressed a note to the consul, asking him to put me in possession of any facts known to him, touching the alleged or supposed intended violation, and expressing my readiness to take such steps as may be necessary to prevent a violation of the law. I will promptly make inquiry into the matter, and, in obedience to your instructions, take such steps as may seem to me to be necessary and proper.

I am, &c.,

JOHN K. GOODLOE,
United States Attorney.

Hon. J. Hubley Ashton,
Acting Attorney-General.