Edward L. Plumb to William H. Seward, June 15, 1868

Mr. Plumb to Mr. Seward.

Sir: As at nearly the same date, the 9th instant, that I received your dispatch No. 61, of the 23d of May, relating to the outrage at Monterey, and stating that you awaited my report with reference thereto, my dispatch No. 131, of the 20th of May, treating of that subject, must have reached the department, I do not doubt that such instructions were then forwarded to me as the serious character of this case may, in your judgment, have seemed to demand, and I have therefore thought it my duty to defer addressing this government upon the subject until their arrival, especially as, to be effective in securing just redress for what has taken place, and in preventing the occurrence of such acts in the future, a direct expression of the feelings of the government of the United States with regard to this transaction appears to be necessary.

No allusion to the affair, or expression of regret at its occurrence, has yet been made to me by this government.

On the 13th instant I received from Mr. Ulrich, consul at Monterey, a letter, inclosing to me the affidavits of the parties who were the subjects of the outrage.

A copy of the same is transmitted to the department herewith.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,