James E. Harvey to William H. Seward, November 21, 1865

Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward

Sir: The correspondence communicated with this despatch will bring to your notice the material facts connected with a lamentable event which occurred here on the evening of the 24th October, resulting in the death of a Portuguese subject, named José Manuel.

As the consul is charged with questions relating to American seamen, the authorities necessarily addressed themselves to him in the preliminary proceedings, but he at once consulted with me as to the steps to be taken, and fully concurred in my earnest wish to have the criminal discovered and delivered up.

All efforts at detection have thus far failed, probably from the indisposition of the seamen to make any revelations on the subject which might criminate one of their own body; and the investigation before a mixed commission, informally organized for the purpose, while in some degree complicating one of the sailors, did not warrant his surrender, for the testimony only excited a misgiving, and was not of a nature to be regarded as judicially or even morally sufficient against a person of established good character.

Rear-Admiral Goldsborough, and indeed all the officers, manifested a proper and becoming disposition to advance the ends of justice, and vigilance will not be relaxed because the case has assumed its present form. His Majesty’s government is fully satisfied that every desire is entertained, and that every energy has been exerted to trace the offender, as also that these endeavors will be continued so long as there is a reasonable possibility of discovery.

As the unfortunate victim of the affray was the sole support of aged and infirm parents, I suggested the propriety of a subscription for their immediate relief, which was handsomely responded to by the officers and crews of the ships now in port.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

Count de Castro to Mr. Harvey

The civil governor of Lisbon, in a communication under date of October 26, made known to the department of interior that, on the 24th of said month, about 6 o’clock p. m., a boatman, named José Manuel, residing in Eua da Silva, No. 37, was mortally wounded, with two stabs, by one of the seamen belonging to one of the American men-of-war now in the Tagus, said occurrence having taken place on the Caes do Sodré, from whence the wounded man was carried to St. Joseph’s hospital, where he died shortly after. The aforesaid magistrate further adds, that the aggressor managed to escape on board one of the boats without its having been possible to identify him.

In bringing this serious affair to your notice, his Majesty’s government expresses the hope that you will not fail to adopt such necessary measures as may lead to the punishment of the criminal, assuring you that, as communicated to me by the minister of interior, the civil governor of Lisbon has caused to be drawn out the requisite form of declaration, with all the attending circumstances and investigations regarding the crime and its perpetrator, in order that proper proceedings may be instituted, and that communication has been made to the United States consul of all that has taken place, at the same time requesting him to have the criminal given up.

I renew on this occasion the assurance of my most distinguished consideration.