No. 753.
Mr. Williams to Mr. Fish.
Washington, December 23, 1873. (Received December 27.)
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22d instant, relative to carrying out the agreement of the United States with Spain respecting proceedings against the Virginius, and inclosing copies of the protocol of the 29th ultimo, between the Spanish minister and yourself, and of the agreement of the 8th instant.
In reply, I have to inform you that I have transmitted said papers, with a copy of your letter, to the United States attorney at New York, with instructions to have all the necessary papers prepared to libel the Virginius, upon her arrival there, for violation of the laws of the United States, and to take such action, touching the persons connected with the enterprise, as may seem proper.
Very respectfully,