Cirilo Molina Y Cros to Daniel E. Sickles, July 24, 1873

Mr. Molina to General Sickles.

Sir: I beg to inform you with reference to the political movement of this town, as mentioned in my last communication of the 13th instant, that the iron-clad ship Victoria left this port to pronounce Alicante in the morning of the 20th instant, having returned on the 22d, without any particular news further than they had seized the Spanish gunboat Vigilante. The member of parliament, Antonio Galves Arce, the chief of the movement, went on board the Vigilante to Torrevieja for funds, and in coming into port yesterday morning was seized by the Prussian iron-clad ship Federico Carlos, (Friederich Karl,) mounted with sixteen heavy guns, and commanded by Captain Werner. This has been done on the strength of the decree issued by the Spanish government declaring said vessels to be considered as pirates. The Vigilante was immediately manned by a Prussian crew, and hoisted the Prussian flag, and the Spanish crew were retained by the Prussians. Immediately the news came on shore the whole of the town was in a most alarming state, and actually many threats were given to the Prussian consul, who had to go on board of his vessel with his family.

General Contreras summoned all consuls of this locality to inquire if we had received any instructions from our respective governments to hostile vessels belonging to, as they term themselves, the Canton Murciano, to which we all answered in the negative. Then he appointed a deputation, composed of the members of parliament, Sanvalle, Caravajal, and some members of the Junta de Salud Publica, to go on board of the Federico Carlos and arrange matters. This was at once done, and the result has been, that they, together with Galves, came to the conclusion, and signed an act to the effect, that the Vigilante was legally seized not having on board any official documents nor crew, in consideration of which Galves and his crew were left at liberty, together with the funds they had, and the Vigilante, under the Prussian flag, left yesterday afternoon for Gibraltar.

The Prussian consul leaves to-day for Madrid, with the act signed in proper order.

I herewith inclose a copy of a communication received from General Contreras, who calls himself commander-in-chief of the army and navy of the federal republic of the Canton Murciano.

In consequence of the before stated, and as very likely we will be called again, I beg you to give me full instructions how to act.

I am, &c.,