No. 387.
Mr. Frelinghuysen to Mr. Valera.
Washington , May 16, 1884.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that a telegram was this morning received by the Secretary of the Treasury from the special agent at Key West reporting that the Cubans at that place publicly threaten the Spanish consul with mob violence, and that the consul had accordingly been tendered protection in the custom house building, which he had declined.
In view of this information I hastened to cause orders to be sent by telegraph by the Departments of War and of the Navy to employ whatever means may be necessary for the protection of the consul.
It is trusted that the prompt adoption of preventive measures may avert the occurrence of any such attempt as appears to be apprehended.
Accept, &c.,