Office of the Historian

Mr. Fish, Secretary of State, to Mr. Pierrepont, district attorney.

Department of State,
Washington, July 7, 1870.

[133] Sir: The President has been informed that the Spanish minister is in possession of evidence tending to show that some parties in your district have *been guilty of a violation of the neutrality laws of the United States.

A portion of this evidence has been laid before me by Mr. Lopez Roberts, in affidavits, of which copies are inclosed, Mr. Roberts has been informed that all witnesses within your reach who may be pointed out to you by him, or by the counsel who may be employed by him, will be examined by you, and that you will thereupon institute such proceedings, civil or criminal, as the case may justify.

You will, therefore, please act in the spirit of the communication to Mr. Lopez Roberts should occasion require.

I am, sir, yours, &c.,

HAMILTON FISH.

Edwards Pierrepont, Esq.,
United States District Attorney, New York.