Perry to William H. Seward, February 20, 1865

Mr. Perry, United States chargé d’affaires, to Mr. Seward, Secretary of State.

Sir: On Friday, the 17th instant, Mr. Mercier sent to the Spanish minister of state (Mr. Benavides) a little note, inclosing a telegraphic instruction from Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys to Mr. Mercier, informing him that a commission rogatoire had issued from the French government to inquire into the circumstances of the abduction of several French sailors by the Stonewall, as was alleged, against their will, and directing him to request the Spanish government to detain that ship until this business could be settled. I saw the original note and the telegram as it was deciphered and sent to the Spanish state department.

With sentiments of the highest respect, sir, your obedient servant,