No. 667.
Mr. Fish to General Sickles.
The arrangement with Admiral Polo is the following:
The Virginius, and the survivors of passengers and crew, are to be restored forthwith. The United States flag to be saluted by Spain on the 25th December. If Spain before then satisfies the United States that the Virginius was carrying the flag at the time of capture without right, the salute will be spontaneously dispensed with; but Spain in such case is to disclaim an intent of indignity to our flag.
In the same event the United States will institute inquiry and adopt legal proceedings against the vessel, if it be found that she has violated any law of the United States, and against any person who may appear to have been guilty of illegal acts in connection therewith.
Spain is to proceed against the persons who committed the acts complained of in Santiago de Cuba, according to the second proposition made to you, and communicated in your telegram of 27th November, and to arraign them before competent courts, and to inflict punishment on those who may have offended.
Other reciprocal reclamations are to be made the subject of arrangement, and in case of disagreement are to be the subject of arbitration, if the Senate assent.
The time, manner, and place for the surrender and for the salute to be subject of arrangement within two days.
These details are sent in answer to your telegram of 4 in the afternoon of the 29th November.