No. 646.
Mr. Fish to General Sickles.
Washington, November 25, 1873.
If upon the close of to-morrow no accommodation shall have been reached in the case of the Virginius, you will address to the foreign office a note expressing regret at the delay of the reparation asked for, [Page 959] and stating that, in conformity with instructions from your Government, you were under the necessity of withdrawing from Madrid, for which purpose you request the usual passport for yourself, your family, and suite.
If, however, the accommodation desired should be brought about in the course of to-morrow, either here or in Madrid, you will, until otherwise directed, abstain from addressing the note adverted to.
Should a proposition be submitted to you to-morrow, you will refer it here, and defer action until it be decided upon.
A telegram has just now been read to me by Admiral Polo, which gives reason to hope for a satisfactory accommodation.
You will, therefore, allow the whole of to-morrow to pass before addressing your note.