Mr. Sherman to Mr. Dupuy de Lôme.
Washington, December 21, 1897.
Sir: Referring to the note which I had the honor to receive from you under date of the 15th instant in regard to the recent voyage of the schooner Silver Heels, I have to inform you that the Secretary of the Treasury advises me that the collector of customs at Wilmington, N. C., was instructed on the 16th instant to detain the vessel in question until further advised and meanwhile to consult with the United States attorney, who has been instructed by the Attorney-General to go to Wilmington.
An earlier communication to you of this information was prevented by an inadvertence, which I regret.
Accept, etc.,