File No. 763.72111Z1/20
The Secretary of State to the British Ambassador (Spring Rice)
Excellency: The Department has been informed by the American Consular Officer at Progreso, Mexico, that on November 5 last an armed party from the British cruiser Isis boarded and searched the American steamship Zealandia, notwithstanding the fact that the Zealandia was at the time lying at anchor in the harbor of Progreso and in charge of the customs officials of Mexico.1
In view of the facts as stated above, the Government of the United States protests through your excellency to His Majesty’s Government against the action taken by the commander of the Isis, reserving at the same time all rights of the charterer and shipper in the premises.
Accept [etc.]
- Previous correspondence on this case not printed.↩