Daniel E. Sickles to Richard Loewenstein, July 30, 1873

General Sickles to Mr. Loewenstein.

Sir: Your communication of the 25th instant, with three inclosures, was received to-day. You will carefully avoid any engagement with your colleagues at Valencia which may affect your entire liberty of action in your official capacity. It is not in accordance with the practice of the United States Government that its agents should associate themselves with the representatives of other powers in measures touching its political or commercial relations with the country or places to which they are accredited. You are not authorized to recognize the official character of the persons pretending to set up a separate government at Valencia. The United States recognize the government of the Spanish Republic, and no other, in this country. You have a right to demand of whomsoever you may find in the actual exercise of power in your district all needful protection for your person and the persons of those acting under you, as well as for your families and your dwellings, and likewise for the persons and property of citizens of the United States in your consular district. You have also the right to communicate freely with this legation, and with any public or private vessel of the United States that may enter any port in your district. You will, however, be particular to avoid taking any steps which may be looked upon as a recognition of any authority hostile to this government.

I am, &c.,