Bassett to Darius Denis, December 4, 1871

Mr. Bassett to Mr. Denis.

Sir: Your dispatch of this date, inclosing a certified copy of a communication addressed by the Spanish representative, Senor Oliveira, to your government, relative to the steamer Hornet, is before me. I have carefully noted the tenor of the demand made by the general (commodore) of the Spanish squadron, now lying at anchor in this bay, as that demand is stated in Señor Oliveira’s dispatch, which is to the effect that the Haytian government shall not only assume the responsibility of holding the Hornet in custody here, but that it shall give a guarantee of its good intention in that regard by dismantling the said steamer, and placing in depot here her most important equipage; and I have also noted your statement of the result of a subsequent conference on the subject between yourself and Senor Oliveira, in company with an officer of the Spanish squadron.

In response to your request for my opinion on the question, I have the honor to state that this demand of the commanding officer of the Spanish squadron now here strikes me as extraordinary. I not only feel constrained to decline to entertain the proposition as stated by him, but I must also deny the right of a foreign government to take such proceedings as are indicated in this demand against any vessel of the United States which has regular papers, and which lawfully carries the American flag.

The position of strict neutrality, assumed by your government in this case of the Hornet, and the principles upon which you have based that position, as far as known to me, I believe to be substantially in accord with the requirements of public law.

I am, &c,