No. 718.
Mr. Sail to Mr. Davis.
Havana , November 5, 1873. (Received-November 11.)
Sir: I have time only to transmit herewith by this steamer the inclosed official bulletin, just published, announcing the capture of the steamer Virginius, on the 31st October, ultimo, near the coast of Jamaica, and that a competent tribunal is now trying the prisoners, one hundred and sixty-five in number, whom it styles pirates.
I have just transmitted the Department the substance of the foregoing in a telegram, it appearing to me that the vessel must have been captured, if not in British at least in neutral waters, and that important international questions may arise therefrom.
I am, &c,
Vice-Consul-General.