Hamilton Fish to Abraham Lincoln, November 20, 1874

No. 570. Mr. Fish to the President.

Sir: I have the honor to lay before you a copy of a correspondence between the British chargé d’affaires at Madrid and the Spanish minister of foreign affairs in relation to the indemnity claimed by Great Britain for British subjects who were captured on board the Virginius and were slain at Santiago de Cuba.

This correspondence comes into my possession confidentially, but through a well-informed and trustworthy channel, and may be relied upon as substantially, although probably not a literally, accurate translation of the originals.

I shall transmit a copy to General Cushing for his information, as well as for the purpose of accurate verification of the text of the letters, if this be practicable.

I am very credibly assured, through other sources, that the payment of the sum promised to be paid to Great Britain in August last had not been made up to the 7th instant.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,