Mr. Woodford to Mr. Sherman.

No. 56.]

Sir: On October 30 ultimo I sent you copy of my translation into English of Spanish note of October 23 ultimo. I promised to send duplicate translation so soon as same could be prepared. To-day I inclose herewith such duplicate translation.

On October 30 I also sent formal acknowledgment to the Spanish minister of foreign affairs of his note of October 23, received by me on October 25, and being his reply to my note of September 23 delivered to the Duke de Tetuan.

Herewith I inclose copy of such acknowledgment.

To-day I send you telegram in cipher reading as follows:

Sherman, Secretary of State, Washington:

I have acknowledged Spanish note, adding request for official copy of manifesto, last June 24, and stating that the note has been transmitted to my Government for further instructions before availing myself of suggestions to communicate further views. Closed the acknowledgment with these words: “It is, however, my immediate duty to state most distinctly to your excellency that the Government of the [Page 595] United States, in the matter of the so-called filibustering expeditions which your excellency has referred to so frequently and at such length in your note, has loyally fulfilled all the requirements of its own domestic laws, all its treaty obligations to Spain, and all the duties imposed upon it by international law.”—Woodford.

I have, etc.,

Stewart L. Woodford.
[Inclosure.]

Mr. Woodford to Señor Gullon.

No. 25.]

Excellency: In acknowledging the honor which I had in receiving on the afternoon of Monday, October 25th instant, the courteous note which you addressed to me under date of the 23d instant in reply to mine of September 23d ultimo to your distinguished predecessor, the Duke of Tetuan, permit me to suggest that the manifesto of June 24th ultimo, to which your excellency refers in your note, appears to have important bearing upon the subjects discussed by your excellency therein. My Government, having no official copy of this manifesto, has instructed me to procure and transmit one for its consideration in connection with your note. I therefore request your excellency to do me the favor of furnishing me with an official copy thereof at the earliest date convenient to you. Your note of the 23d instant, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, has been transmitted to my Government, and I await its further instructions before availing myself of your courteous suggestions to communicate my further views thereon.

It is however, my immediate duty to state most distinctly to your excellency that the Government of the United States, in the matter of the so-called filibustering expeditions to which your excellency has referred so frequently and at such length in your note, has loyally fulfilled all the requirements of its own domestic laws, all its treaty obligations to Spain, and all the duties imposed upon it by international law.

I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to your excellency the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.

Stewart L. Woodford.