Horatio J. Perry to William H. Seward, August 3, 1864

Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward.

Sir:Our government has had occasion frequently to complain to that of Spain of the treatment received by our vessels in passing the forts of Tarifa, in the Straits of Gibraltar; and American ships have been more than once pierced with shot from these forts because they were either slow or careless in complying with the regulation that all vessels must show their flags on passing within range of the guns of the forts.

I take pleasure, therefore, to enclose the copy of a circular note addressed to me by Mr. Pacheco on the 31st July, in which he advises our government of a very favorable change in the orders given to the officers commanding the forts of Tarifa and Isla Verde, and from the tenor of which it is to be hoped that the act of firing into the hulls of unarmed merchantmen in time of peace will not again be repeated.

It may be well to publish these new regulations for the information of our ship’s captains trading to the Mediteranean.

With sentiments of the highest respect, sir, your obedient servant,