John P. Hale to William H. Seward, May 16, 1868

Mr. Hale to Mr. Seward.

Sir: In my dispatch No. 128, dated April 18, 1868, I informed you that Mr. Arrazola, the minister of state, expressed a desire that I should make a communication to him in writing of the statement which I then made verbally, and that I promised I would do so. Accordingly on the same day, viz, April 18, I complied with my promise, and on the 13th of May I received an answer from the new minister of state, of which I herewith inclose a copy and a translation of the same.

Perhaps the delay occasioned between the date and the delivery may be explained by the fact that in the mean time there has been a change of ministry occasioned by the death of the Duke of Valencia, and further, immediately after, the festivities of the court, occasioned by the marriage of the eldest daughter of the Queen with a younger brother of the ex-King of Naples.

I remain yours, with all due respect,