Mr. Blaine to Mr. Abbott.

No. 42.]

Sir: Complaints Laving reached the Department in regard to the seizure of American vessels on the San Blas coast for alleged violation of the customs laws of Colombia, and desiring to possess the fullest possible information upon the subject, I cabled you on the 8th instant to make an immediate examination of the customs laws affecting that locality and of the difficulties said to have arisen there and to report fully thereon.

I am, etc.,

James G. Blaine.