Mr. Becerra to Mr. Bayard.
Washington, June 18, 1885. (Received June 19.)
Sir: The national authorities of Panama have just sent me a telegram whereby they inform me that certain agents of the rebellion in the island of Jamaica have purchased a steamer called the Vertumnus, for the service of that cause, and they add that it has been cleared for the port of New York, to the end that it may there be armed as a vessel of war.
[Page 276]The said vessel has, indeed, arrived with a cargo of fruit, consigned to Messrs. Wessels & Co., of New York, and from the information which I have thus far been able to obtain, I cannot do less than consider the information which I have received from Panama as important
I therefore beg, Mr. Secretary of State, that acting once more in accordance with your ever upright measures in behalf of the neutrality of the United States of America, and of the laws which consecrate and uphold the same, you will be pleased to issue such orders as you may deem best adapted to prevent the aforesaid vessel (if it has really been purchased by the rebels) from being fitted out for warlike purposes in this country, and from sailing for the waters of Colombia in an attitude hostile to the legal authorities of that Republic.
Special agents, who have been appointed by me for the purpose in the city of New York, will transmit to the authorities all the reliable information that they can obtain with regard to the real purpose for which the said vessel has been purchased, and with regard to its real ownership.
I renew, &c.,