Mr. Macias to the President.
Sir: The undersigned, Mr. Fernando Macias, merchant, resident in New York, and a naturalized citizen of the United States, respectfully calls your attention to the case of the steamship Cuba, commonly known as the Hornet, now pending in the United States district court for the district of North Carolina, and requests the discontinuance of proceedings against the vessel, and her cargo, tackle, and apparel, and her delivery to the undersigned.
[191] The Hornet was purchased by the undersigned in July, 1869, of the United States Navy Depart*ment for the sum of about $33,000, and is now under seizure, together with the cargo, apparel, and tackle, at Wilmington, and libelled for forfeiture of the alleged violation of the neutrality laws of the United States for the purpose of commiting hostilities against Spain. The facts in the case are well known. Whatever may be its legal merits, the undersigned has the confidence to be [Page 855] lieve that it is only the desire of the Government of the United States to enforce the laws, prevent their violation, and not to enrich the public treasury by harsh forfeitures. The voyage of the Cuba has been broken up, and all possibility of its being renewed has passed. The undersigned desires to regain possession of the vessel and to dispose of her for commercial purposes. He is willing to enter into any engagement that may be acceptable to the Government that the vessel shall not be used to commit hostilities against Spain, nor to violate in any manner the laws of the United States.
Trusting that the Government will magnanimously discontinue the proceedings against the vessel and cargo, and order the delivery of the property libelled to the undersigned as requested,
I have the honor to be, yours, &c.,
- FERNANDO MACIAS.
[192]*By his attorney in fact, - WM. E. CHANDLER.
The President.