Macdonell to his excellency the minister of state, August 15, 1874

The chargé d’affaires of Great Britain to his excellency the minister of state.

Sir: I have to thank your excellency for the prompt reply which you have kindly made to the communication I had the honor to address you at date of 5th instant, and in consequence of which I hasten to inform your excellency that I have been authorized by the government of Her Britannic Majesty to accept the amount deemed just as indemnity to the British subjects captured on board the Virginius and subsequently executed in Havana.

Being in accord upon this point, I have the honor to inform your excellency of the total amount of the claim made by the government of Her Britannic Majesty in favor of those injured by that event.

The number of individuals executed amounts to nineteen, among whom were nine colored and ten white men. For each of the colored men Her Britannic Majesty’s government claims three hundred pounds, (£300,) and for each of the white men five hundred pounds, (£500,) which makes a total-of seven thousand seven hundred pounds, (£7,700,) it being understood that, in case no relative of the victim presents himself to establish his claim, or should not prove his right within a reasonable time, the amount paid in his favor to the government of Her Britannic Majesty shall be immediately refunded to the Spanish government.

In submit ting the foregoing figures to the consideration of your excellency, I have no doubt of receiving a favorable reply, trusting that the Spanish government, guided by its elevated sentiments of justice, will be in accord with the government of Her Britannic Majesty, and consider as just and equitable the amount fixed as indemnity.

I avail myself, &c.,