Mr. Valera to Mr. Bayard.
November 18, 1885. (Received November 18.)
The undersigned, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of His Majesty the King of Spain, referring to his note of the 6th of October last, has the honor to transmit to the Hon. Thomas F. Bayard, Secretary of State of the United States, the inclosed draft, indorsed to his order, for $52,939.72. This amount is sent by way of indemnity for the fine imposed by the central custom-house board of the Philippines upon Capt. Osman S. Nichols, of the American bark Masonic, and includes interest at 6 per cent., payable from the 27th of June last, on which day the decision was rendered, up to the 23d instant, when payment was made. The undersigned begs the honorable Secretary of State to be pleased to acknowledge the receipt of the amount in question, and gladly avails himself, &c.