No. 659.
General Sickles to Mr. Fish.
Last night it was agreed here informally that, accepting my declaration of the nationality of the Virginius, reparation would be made in accordance with our demand of the 15th instant. This was ratified by the council of ministers at 3 this morning, and I was promised an official communication in that sense to-day. I am now informed in a note from the minister of state that yesterday you authorized the Spanish minister in Washington to convey to this government a different proposition on the part of the United States, and that it has been accepted, of which you have been notified through Admiral Polo. Please let me know whether that statement is true.
The only instruction I have had from you since my four telegrams of the 26th, is a copy of the Senate resolution passed in fifty-eight.