Mr. Woodford to Mr.
Sherman.
Legation of the United States,
Madrid, November 17,
1897.
No. 68.]
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I have
this day received a letter from the Spanish minister of foreign affairs,
dated November 15th instant, informing me that the crew of the bark Competitor has been pardoned and that the
American citizens involved therein will be placed at the disposal of the
consul-general of the United States at Havana.
I have just telegraphed you as follows:
November 17, 1897.
Secretary Sherman, Washington:
Spanish cabinet just notify me that Queen has pardoned Competitor crew. Very cordial note. I
have acknowledged same in friendly terms without committing our
Government. Send copies of both by next mail.
Woodford.
I have written the Spanish minister of foreign affairs acknowledging his
note and stating that I have had great pleasure in informing my
Government this day by telegraph of the clemency of Her Majesty the
Queen Regent, and adding that I appreciate most deeply the graceful and
generous courtesy of his excellency’s note in expressing so cordially
the friendly sentiments subsisting between our two countries. I inclose
copies of the note from the Spanish Government and of my reply thereto,
and have the honor to be,
Very respectfully yours,
[Inclosure 1 in No.
68—Translation.]
Señor Gullon to
Mr. Woodford.
Ministry of
State,
Palace, November 15,
1897.
Excellency.
My Dear Sir: The Government of His Majesty
being desirous to contribute to the pacification of the island of
Cuba with acts of mercy for those who are subject to the action of
the courts or are suffering penalties for political offenses,
decided to submit to the sanction of Her Majesty, my August
Sovereign, a royal decree empowering the Governors-General of Cuba
and Puerto Rico to grant pardon in all cases in which they thought
proper to do so, without distinction of rights or jurisdictions.
[Page 1023]
In accordance with the provisions of said royal decree, pardon has
been granted to the crew of the bark Competitor. The American citizens complicated (or
involved) in this process will be placed at the disposal of the
consul-general of the United States at Havana, informing them that
they are free, but that they must leave the Spanish territory and
not come back to it without a special authorization.
I fully hope that the Washington Cabinet and your excellency will
appreciate with accuracy the satisfaction felt by the Government of
His Majesty at a decision which, while responding to the magnanimity
of the Queen as well as to the old and public purposes of her
present ministers, harmonizes also with the friendly sentiments and
with the cordiality of relations subsisting between our two
countries.
I avail myself, etc.,
To the Minister Plenipotentiary of the
United States.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 68.]
Mr. Woodford to
Señor Gullon.
Madrid, November 17,
1897.
No. 32.]
Excellency: I have the honor and
gratification to acknowledge the receipt this day of the very
courteous and friendly communication from your excellency under date
of November 15th instant, informing me that pardon has been granted
to the crew of the bark Competitor, and that
the American citizens who were under arrest have been placed at the
disposal of the consul-general of the United States at Havana.
I have had great pleasure in informing my Government this day, by
telegraph, of the clemency of Her Majesty the Queen Regent, and I
appreciate most deeply the graceful and generous courtesy of your
excellency’s note in expressing so cordially the friendly sentiments
subsisting between our two countries.
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to your excellency the
assurances of my highest consideration.
His Excellency the Minister of State,
etc.
