Mr. Woodford to the President.

Nos. 38, 39.]

Dear Mr. President: Yesterday afternoon I received Judge Day’s cipher telegram answering my telegram No. 36 in my correspondence with you. This afternoon I have seen Minister Moret at his house, and have shown him Judge Day’s dispatch. Moret is sincerely grateful for the prompt and satisfactory explanation of the Crowninshield incident at San Domingo, and admits that the Spanish naval officer who made the report must be mistaken. This closes the San Domingo incident.

Moret accepts your judgment with regard to Consul-General Lee, and I am sure that no suggestion will be made by the Spanish Government looking toward the recall of General Lee.

I have just telegraphed Judge Day in cipher as follows:

Madrid, March 4, 1898.

Assistant Secretary Day, Washington:

Personal No. 38, Presidential series. Have shown your dispatch of 3d instant to minister for the colonies. He is entirely satisfied with explanation of the San Domingo incident and grateful for prompt reply. There will be no suggestion of recall of consul-general of the United States at Habana. The minister fully appreciates the situation.

Woodford.

[Page 677]

Minister Moret admits that the De Lôme letter was stolen from the Habana post-office by a Spanish clerk employed in that office and who was a spy in the service of the insurgents.

There is nothing further of importance to-day, and, I am,

Faithfully yours,

Stewart L. Woodford.