Gustavus Koerner to William H. Seward, April 4, 1863

Mr. Koerner to Mr. Seward

Sir: On the 1st of April I addressed a note to the minister of foreign affairs, of which I enclose a copy, (marked A,) and which will explain itself.

I also sent him, on the same day, another one covering the resolutions of Congress concerning foreign intervention, in which I informed him that, having received no answer to my request for a personal interview, made on the 28th of March, for the purpose of reading to him said resolutions, I felt constrained to transmit the same to him, as it was desirable that a document of such importance should be brought at an early period to the knowledge of her Majesty’s government.

An hour or two after I had sent the notes, I received a communication that the minister would see me on the 7th of April, and also a note dated the 1st of April, in reply to mine directed to the minister’s predecessor, General Serrano, (Duke de la Torre,) on the 23d February last, and which treats of the events which lately happened in and near the island of Cuba. I enclose a translation of said note, (marked B.)

You will perceive by its tenor that, with the exception of the complaint as to the discrimination made against us in admitting vessels at unusual hours into the port of Havana, and in regard to which the government here has asked information from the Spanish authorities there, to ascertain the facts, all the other grievances are considered by the Marquis of Miraflores as not well founded.

I have not yet replied to this last note, principally for the reason that on the 2d of April the high church festivities commenced, and that before Tuesday next no secular business is expected to be transacted. Without anticipating the final decision of the President on the question raised by our complaints, and the manner in which they are viewed by the government here, I shall certainly, either by note or verbally, state to the Marquis of Miraflores that I cannot share his belief that the President will be satisfied with the reasoning of the Spanish Department of State, suggesting to him my objections, and preparing him for similar ones, as likely to be expected from the President.

I am, sir, with very great respect, your obedient servant,