Stephen A. Hurlbut to Felipe Zapata, January 3, 1872

Mr. Hurlbut to Mr. Zapata.

The undersigned, minister resident of the United States of America, begs leave to inquire of the Honorable Felipe Zapata, secretary of the interior and for foreign relations, what progress, if any, has been made in the prosecution of the captors of the steamer Montijo.

The honorable secretary is aware that several months have elapsed since instructions were forwarded under his direction by the attorney-general to the proper officers in the State of Panama, and the Government of the United States desires to know from official sources what steps, if any, have been taken.

The undersigned considers it his duty to inform the honorable secretary that a very great feeling exists in the United States in relation to the seizure of that steamer and the imprisonment of her officers and crew, and that both the people and the Government of the United States await with anxiety those processes of law by which the malefactors shall be punished and the dignity of both nations vindicated. By a dispatch recently received from the Secretary of State of the United States, the undersigned is instructed to call the attention of the Colombian government to this important affair, and to urge the necessity of vigorous prosecution, without any delay which can be avoided, to the point of conviction of the offenders.

The undersigned begs leave to state to the honorable secretary that he has explained to the honorable Secretary of State of the United States the difficulties which surround the prosecution of this case arising from the peculiar political and judicial system of the country, and which embarrass the action of the national government in the matter, and has also stated what he fully believes, that the executive power will to the extent of its means of action, and in good faith, endeavor to bring this matter fairly before the courts of the country.

The undersigned renews the assurances, &c.