Francisico Lersundi to The Vice-, June 8, 1868

The governor general to Mr. de La Reintrie.

SUPERIOR CIVIL GOVERNMENT OF THE EVER-FAITHFUL ISLAND OF CUBA.

With your dispatch of the 4th instant I received Mr. Seward’s of the 31st of March, relating to the bonds required in this island on negroes brought from the United States, which you submit informally to my consideration.

In reply, I will say that it is not in my power to alter the law requiring the surety, which also applies to national vessels, as it belongs to the government of the Queen, my august sovereign, and I must refer the honorable Secretary of State to her Catholic Majesty’s minister in Washington for the consideration of the affair, regretting at the same time my inability to oblige Mr. Seward.