[43] *Mr. Barlow, United States marshal, to Mr. Fish, Secretary of State.
New York, May 9, 1869.
Sir: I have the honor to state that your telegram directing me to watch the Quaker City and seize her when I have sufficient proof was received at 7.30 p.m. of May 8, and at once acknowledged.
What is considered “sufficient proof,” and whether it is that degree of proof which would authorize the condemnation of the vessel, is not stated, but unless otherwise directed I shall proceed as follows:
Should the vessel atempt to clear we will withhold a clearance, even though nothing additionally suspicious is learned about her, until we can communicate with Washington and are affirmatively satisfied that her objects are legal. I am told that some small-arms were carried on board on Friday. Should she attempt to go to sea without a clearance, (which is not at all likely,) I shall seize at once. We have the vessel watched and the revenue-cutter near at hand.
[44] Mr. Grinnell is exceedingly vigilant and interested, *and will give the Spanish authorities every assistance and information.
The vessel to-day bears the British flag, and I understand that she was yesterday transferred to British ownership—probably to the captain whom I saw.
They told Mr. Grinnell’s man that she was going to Saint Thomas instead of Rio.
Very respectfully,
United States Marshal.
Hon. Hamilton Fish,
Secretary of State, Washington.