No. 715.
Admiral Polo
de Bernabe to Mr. Fish.
Washington, January 3, 1874.
The undersigned, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Spain, while having the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the note of the honorable Secretary of State of the United States, of the 22d of December last, in which it is declared that the Virginius at the time of her capture had no right to carry the American flag, and did carry it wrongfully and improperly, must express to the Secretary of State the satisfaction with which the government of the Spanish Republic has been informed of this declaration, and that this result, which was confidently expected, practically demonstrates that there was no offense to the American flag, and that no intention to insult it ever could or ever did exist.
The undersigned avails himself of this opportunity to reiterate to the Hon. Hamilton Fish the assurance of his highest consideration.