Office of the Historian

Mr. Woodford to Mr. Sherman.

Legation of the United States,
Madrid, April 21, 1898.
No 242.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, at half past 2 o’clock this morning, April 21, of your telegram, reading as follows:

* * * * * * *

At 3 o’clock this morning, April 21, I received your second dispatch, partly open and partly in cipher, which I translate as follows:

* * * * * * *

At half past 7 this morning, April 21, I received a note from the Spanish Government, which I translated and cabled to you. I confirm such cablegram as follows:

* * * * * * *

I then took the necessary steps to turn the several consulates and this legation over to the care of Her British Majesty’s Government, as reported in my dispatch No. 241 of this date. I then addressed to the Spanish minister for foreign affairs the note which I report in such dispatch 241, and telegraphed its text to you as follows:

* * * * * * *

I have informed the British chargé d’affaires that my Government instructed me in case of war between Spain and the United States to furnish transportation from Spain to the United States to any poor American citizen who might be in danger in Spain and should in my judgment require such assistance, and I have asked him in behalf of my Government to exercise this discretionary power and to draw directly upon the State Department at Washington for any funds for this purpose. I inclose copy of such letter.

I will report by cable on reaching Paris.

Very respectfully,

Stewart L. Woodford.
[Page 769]
[Inclosure.]

Mr. Woodford to Mr. Barclay.

Legation of the United States,
Madrid, April 21, 1898.

My Dear Sir: Having, by the direction of my Government and through the kind courtesy of Her British Majesty’s Government, this day turned over to you the legation of the United States at Madrid, I beg to inclose the receipt for the rent of the legation offices, which has been paid to July 1 proximo. I have paid the messenger and porter to the same date. I inclose draft on Seligman Brothers of London to your order for £100, which I trust will be sufficient for any current incidental expenses to which you may be put. My Government instructed me in case of war between Spain and the United States to furnish transportation from Spain to the United States to any poor American citizen who might be in danger in Spain and should, in my judgment, require such assistance. I ask you, in behalf of my Government, to exercise this discretionary power and to draw directly upon the State Department at Washington for any funds required for this purpose.

I send copy of this letter to the American Secretary of State at Washington, and with renewed thanks for your kindness and courtesy, I am, etc.,

Stewart L. Woodford.