Mr. Adee to Mr. Dupuy de Lôme.
Washington, December 14, 1897.
Sir: I have the honor, by direction of the Secretary of State, to inform you that he to-day received from the Secretary of the Treasury a communication stating that the district attorney at Wilmington, N. C., advises that the facts do not justify a libel against the schooner Silver Heels, now applying for a clearance at that port loaded with a full cargo of lumber for Barbados. I have, therefore, at the instance of the Secretary of the Treasury, the honor to inquire whether you have any evidence in your possession which would justify a libel against the vessel in question, inasmuch as the Treasury Department can not longer detain the vessel unless evidence be supplied.
Requesting the favor of an early reply, I avail myself, etc.,
Second Assistant Secretary.