Mr. Clayton to Mr. Hay.

No. 1547.]

Sir: Adverting to my dispatch No. 1529 of the 11th instant transmitting copies of my notes to Minister Mariscal proposing the celebration of an additional article to the treaty between Mexico and the United States to define the exclusive power of consular officers to take cognizance of and determine difficulties which may arise either at sea or in ports between captains, officers, crews, etc., I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy and translation of Minister Mariscal’s reply to my aforesaid notes, stating that the matter has been referred to the consulting attorney of the sections of his department, and that he will inform me opportunely of the decision which may be made in the premises.

I have, etc.,

Powell Clayton.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]

Mr. Mariscal to Mr. Clayton.

Mr. Ambassador: I have received your excellency’s note of the 14th instant and another, unofficial, of the same date, in which your excellency is pleased to propose the celebration of an additional article in the treaty between Mexico and the United [Page 821] States to define the exclusive power of consular agents to take cognizance of and to determine difficulties which may arise at sea or in ports between captains, officers, and crews of vessels.

In reply I have the honor to say to your excellency that the matter has been referred to the consulting attorney of the sections of this department, and that I will opportunely inform your excellency of the decisions which may be made.

I will shortly return the book, from which the respective copies are being made, which your excellency was pleased to transmit with said note.

I renew, etc.,

Igno. Mariscal.