James F. Wilson to William H. Seward, November 7, 1866

Mr. Wilson to Mr. Seward

Sir: I beg to make known to the department that on the 13th ultimo there arrived at the port of La Guayra, from London, the Venezuelan war steamer Bolivar, lately purchased in that city for this government. She was officered and manned by officers and men, it is said, of the royal navy, who had been granted leave of absence for one year to enter the service of the republic. The contracts made by the consul of Venezuela were such, so far as concerned the officers and crew, that the government felt they could not be complied with under the provisions of the federal constitution, of which Captain Focke was duly apprised. Meanwhile the crew became clamorous for their pay, alleged to be due under the contract.

While these matters were under discussion, and before any conclusion had been arrived at, Captain Focke went aboard his vessel on the evening of the 30th ultimo at about nine o’clock; the Venezuelan portion of the crew was shortly after put into an open boat without oars, and the vessel took flight for parts unknown.

To what extent the captain is personally guilty is here a disputed question, for it is stated by some, on the authority of the Venezuelan sailors, that as soon as he went on board he was locked up in his cabin, and the orders to raise anchor given by the first officer; while by others it is asserted that the captain only carried out his previously expressed determination, to which latter opinion I am inclined.

However it may be, the vessel has disappeared, and the government of Venezuela, as you will perceive from the enclosed translation of a note from Mr. Seijas, dated October 31, 1866, received by me on the 5th instant, (which translation is marked enclosure 1,) asks that, in case she has taken refuge in the waters of the United States, she may be attached and delivered to her lawful owners.

I have not deemed it necessary to enter into many of the details of this extraordinary transaction on account of their contradictory character, and also because of the full statement of the affair in the communication of the minister of foreign relations, which I submit for your consideration.

With much respect, I am, sir, your obedient servant,