Mr. Day to Mr. Dupuy de Lôme.
Washington, October 22, 1897.
My Dear Sir: Referring to your official note of the 27th of September last, I desire to refer to the case of the Donna T. Briggs. This vessel is now held at Norfolk in view of the statements contained in your note, and so far as the Treasury Department has investigated within its powers it has not been able to discover any charges upon which she can be legally detained.
In an informal conversation with one of the officials of the Treasury Department, I have been advised that, while that Department has every disposition to further the wishes of the Spanish Government so far as it may be possible to do so, the fullest investigation has been made with the above result. Before, however, releasing the vessel, I desire to inquire whether you have any facts to submit which will warrant the vessel’s further detention and prosecution for violation of the neutrality laws of this country, and to say that the Department will be glad to receive them and see that they are promptly acted upon.
Asking that I may be favored with a reply at the earliest practicable date, I am,
Very truly, yours,