THOMAS SAVAGE, Vice Consul General to William H. Seward, May 23, 1864

Mr. Savage to Mr. Seward.

Sir: In consequence of my temporary illness previous to the sailing of the steamship Eagle from this port for New York, I was unable to inform you of the arrival in Havana, per same steamer from New York, of the late lieutenant governor of Colon, Jose’ Agustin Arguelles. He arrived here at about eight o’clock at night, accompanied by the captain general’s agent and two United States deputy marshals. He was immediately lodged in jail, and was next morning conveyed to Moro Castle, where he still remains. Various rumors were put in circulation on his arrival, which created considerable excitement. One rumor obtained great circulation, that he had been kidnapped from New York, and that the captain general intended to condemn him to the chain-gang.

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