John P. Hale to William H. Seward, July 28, 1868

Mr. Hale to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have received your several dispatches numbered 113 and 114; the first about the manner in which the custom-house rules and regulations in the island of Cuba are carried into effect, and the other in regard to the oppressive regulations as to colored citizens of the United States on their arrival in Cuba. As soon as I received these several dispatches, I sent a note embodying their contents to the minister of state, and last evening I received from him replies to the same, copies of which I herewith inclose. As soon as I receive any further advices from the minister of state I will lose no time in advising you thereof.

Last year there was some difficulty in regard to our whaling vessels arriving at the Canary islands, as to the quarantine to which they were subjected, which was ultimately satisfactorily arranged at Madrid, after notice to this legation by the United States consul at Teneriffe of the embarrassments to which they had been subjected.

This year the consul, in anticipation of the like embarrassments, has written me under date of July 13, asking that a similar arrangement may be made this year. On the receipt of this letter, I addressed a note to the minister of state, inclosing to him a copy of the letter aforesaid, asking that a similar arrangement be made this year. Last evening I received from him an answer, a copy of which I herewith inclose, marked A.

Any further advices which I may receive touching this matter I will lose no time in communicating to you, and also to the consul at Teneriffe.

Respectfully yours,