Rafael Seijas to James F. Wilson, October 31, 1866

Mr. Seijas to Mr. Wilson

Third year of the law and eighth of the federation.

The minister of foreign relations of the United States of Venezuela has the honor to address the minister resident of the United States, and by order of the executive of the nation make known to the legation the following facts.

The steamer Bolivar, which arrived from London on the 13th of the present month, was purchased in that city, for the republic, on the 31st of January last, with the intention of employing her in its naval service. She was furnished with a Venezuelan commission in that understanding, and brought out an English commander, officers and crew, according to contracts made by the consul of this country in the city of London.

The government could not approve them, as it was agreed, among other things, that Captain John Focke should not be required to serve under the orders of any officer unless he were of the English navy, and of a higher rank than himself, and that in case a change of officers and crew took place the English portion should never be reduced to less than half of their whole number.

It being, moreover, an attribute of the national legislature, according to article 43, paragraph 25, of the constitution, to permit or refuse to foreigners admission into the public service, it was shown to the captain that this was a serious difficulty, and that the only means of remedying it, and avoiding others that might result from their being British subjects, (under the supposition that they continued in employ on other terms,) was that they should renounce their character (cualidad) of foreigners, otherwise the administration resolved to relieve them, paying what it owed them up to the day, according to stipulation maintaining them until an occasion presented itself for their departure, and defraying the expenses of their return home.

The captain assented with good will to this solution, and even stated that he himself had expected it would be so, because the government could not act differently, but that with respect to the officers and crew it was necessary to consult them. He went from here to La Guayra with this view, presenting on his return propositions on the acceptance of which depended his annulling the previous contracts. As exorbitant and unbecoming they were refused, and the government maintained its announced determination.

General Benjamin Arriens, chief of the squadron, was sent on board of the vessel, and as an order of his was disobeyed the captain was again called, and it was resolved that he should return to La Guayra in company with the minister of war and marine, in order that he might deliver over the command to his appointed successor.

All went on board of the vessel and General Aniens was recognized as commander of the same.

After disembarking, the captain, who in everything had shown himself in perfect accord with the government and the views of the executive, hinted that the best way to come to an understanding with the crew of the vessel was for him to go alone to see them and offer them payment for the month, which expired on the 27th instant. His wish being granted he went on board, and instead of returning to shore, he fled with the vessel at midnight. They left the Venezuelan crew (which had been placed on board) in a boat without oars; they were saved because they had the good fortune to fall in with a fisherman’s smack, which brought them to the shore at one o’clock a. m.

Such scandalous rebellion, which constitutes a real act of piracy, (because the vessel belongs to Venezuela, and as such flies her flag and pennant, carries her arms carved on the stern, and said officers and crew were considered in the service of the republic,) has caused the citizen primer designado to order, in consideration of this statement, that a demand be made for the attachment and delivery of the steamer Bolivar, with all her appurtenances, in the belief that her course may have been directed to the waters of the United States. And it is hoped from the kindness of the minister resident that he will be good enough to communicate these facts to his government, recommending and urging the just request of Venezuela.

The undersigned renews to Mr. Wilson the assurance of his distinguished consideration.

God and federation!