No. 599.
General Sickles to Mr. Fish.
Minister of state informed me this evening at the legation that a preliminary report had been received from Cuba, from which it appeared that the Virginias was seen making a landing on that coast. Pursuit began in Spanish waters, and about twenty-three miles from Jamaica the vessel was captured. It is also alleged that her papers had no consular certificate, and are otherwise irregular. Mr. Carvajal said he expected further particulars to-night, and appointed to-morrow, at four in the afternoon, for a conference with me at the state department. He also remarked that Admiral Polo’s report of his interview with yourself had been read with much satisfaction. Your cable of this date received.