Mr. Seward to Mr. Sullivan.
Sir: Mr. Goñi, the Spanish minister here, has addressed a note to this department requesting the good offices of this government with that of the United States of Colombia, for the purpose of preventing the departure of the Cuyler from the port where she now is during the state of war between Spain and certain Spanish American republics. The object of the Spanish government in soliciting this arrangement is to relieve the squadron of observation which it now maintains, and otherwise might still feel obliged to keep up for the purpose of watching the movements of the Cuyler. Mr. Goñi expresses confidence in the existing administration at Bogota, and intimates a belief that if it were to engage not to allow the Cuyler to put to sea under the circumstances [Page 1062] referred to, that its pledge to that effect would warrant the Spanish government in withdrawing its naval force. He further remarks that a motive for asking the interposition of this government in the matter is, that Spain has no diplomatic representative in that country.
You will consequently make known in the proper quarter the wish of her Catholic Majesty’s government above referred to, and request that it may be candidly and dispassionately considered. It is presumed that the presence of Spanish men-of-war in or near Colombian waters cannot be agreeable to the government of that republic, and that the equivalent required for their departure will, under the circumstances, be regarded as sufficient and literal.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Peter J. Sullivan, Esq., &c., &c., &c.