Cushing to Hamilton Fish, June 27, 1874

No. 261. Mr. Cushing to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I inclose herewith copy of a communication addressed by me to the minister of state, in obedience to your instructions of the 9th instant.

The incident to which the instructions refer occurred prior to my arrival here, and, on reading the dispatches of Mr. Adee on the subject, which were of a nature to invite instructions, it seemed to me most discreet, before acting, to hear from the Department.

Meanwhile I had conference on this incident of the matter of the Virginius, as well as in regard to the question of indemnities, and the result of these interviews was to convince me that the circumstance of the action of the British government having preceded ours was of great advantage to the United States. * * * *

Mr. Adee informs me that he was influenced by the same consideration.

A report had been current of the promotion of General Burriel. I learn, upon inquiry, that this report is false, and that the promoted officer was another person, although of the same surname.

General Burriel’s article, as printed in the Epoca, purports to have been directed to the Revue des Deux Mondes, but I am not able to find it in any number of the Revue, and I think it was not printed therein.

It may be worth noting that the newspaper published at Madrid, entitled La Iberia, and which is understood to be the especial mouth-piece of Mr. Sagasta, did editorially deny the assertion of General Burriel, Mr. Sagasta being at that time minister of state.

I have, &c.,