Cushing to To the, July 2, 1875

No. 539. Mr. Cushing to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I think you may desire to be fully informed regarding the proposed general sequestration of the property of Carlists in arms, or actively aiding their fellows in arms, seeing that it bears on a question so much discussed by us in the matter of Cuba, and seeing also that it professes to be in imitation of the policy of our Government during the secession war.

For this reason copy and translation of a circular on the subject in to day’s “Gaceta” are herewith transmitted.

It is understood that, in aid of these instructions of the minister of gobernacion, the minister of war has issued instructions to the generals in the field and to those in command of military districts to effect the expulsion or deportation of the families of all active Carlists, the destruction of all crops susceptible of being utilized by the enemy, and the sequestration of the property of all persons who directly or indirectly favor the rebels, whether by seditious propagandism or with material supplies, the proceeds to be applied preferentially to the indemnification of loyal persons who may have been prejudiced in person or property by acts of the Carlists.

These measures are warmly applauded by most of the journals of Madrid, which, indeed, tor some time past have been complaining of the gentleness and complaisance of the government in this respect, and exhorting to imitation of the greater energy of action displayed by our , Government in like circumstances.

Announcement is made to-day of the actual application of these meassures of rigor to the property and families of the Duque de la Union de Cuba, the Conde de Bornos, and other persons of distinction in Madrid.

I have, &c.,