He reiterates assurances that liberal reforms shall be granted. He complains of detention of gunboats. General Sickles explains that it is done at request of Peru. General Prim says Spain is not at war with Peru. General Sickles says he is authorized to withdraw the offer of good offices; before doing so, wishes to know if any modification that can be made by United States will be acceptable to Spain. General Prim thinks not; prefers the withdrawal; thinks the time will soon come when Spain will desire good offices of United States, and will then indicate bases. General Sickles said he should withdraw the offer. Transmitting copies of telegrams relating to foregoing interviews.

Reasons for the detention of the Spanish gunboats.

Transmitting a copy of General Sickles's official note with-
drawing the offer of the good offices of the United States;
and also a copy of Mr. Silvela's reply to that note.
Same subject. Mr. Silvela's original reply to General Sick-
les's note withdrawing the offer of good offices regarded
the note itself as withdrawn. General Sickles refused to
receive such a note, and the reply was so modified as to
state that the offer of good offices was withdrawn.
Ministerial changes. Spanish politics. Commission for
reforms in Porto Rico dissolved. Reasons given therefor.
Cuban question not mentioned in Cortes. Troops continue
to be sent to Havana.
Reforms in Porto Rico

General Sickles dines with the president of the Cortes.
Meets secretaries of state and of the colonies, Mr. Silvela,
and others. Mr. Martos, Mr. Becerra, and Mr. Rivos, each
said the remarks to General Sickles were to be considered
official as well as personal. He therefore reports them.
It was said that Spain desired intimate relations with
United States; would extend free institutions to Cuba;
that Cubans were prepared for free institutions; that the
government had been asked to order immediate elections
for Cortes in Cuba, but had refused because the native
population could not participate; that the Cuban question
could not be considered in Cortes while Cuba was in rebel-
lion; but that the government were prepared to recom-
mend the largest liberties. General Sickles urged the
immediate promulgation of their plan as the best way to
terminate hostilities. In reply, they said the war would
soon be ended. The propriety of an armistice was dis-
cussed; it was regarded as impracticable. They stated
that the Cuban question will be settled when war is
ended on bases of self-government and commercial reci-
procity, and that slavery will be gradually abolished.
The native Cubans were a majority of the inhabitants,
and their wishes ought to be respected in the determina-
tion which the government should make. They desire the
President to know that Spain is no longer governed by
reactionary and antiquated ideas of the Bourbons.
Inclosing telegrams concerning reforms in Porto Rico, and
concerning gunboats.

Total number of Spanish troops in Cuba.....

Transmitting further statements as to the "army of Cuba."
Anxiety in Spain as to the course of the United States.
Winter campaign regarded as a failure. Despondency
apparent in all except official circles. Views of the press.
British minister instructed to second General Sickles's
efforts to secure abolition of slavery. He replies that
what he had said was unofficial and so understood by the
cabinet. Changes in Porto Rico to include abolition of
slavery. This may decrease in Cuba the resistance to
independence.

Satisfaction at news of reforms in Spanish colonial policy
contained in General Sickles's No. 36. (See No. 39, above.)
It is stated by Mr. Lopez Roberts that only persons
imprisoned for political offenses are enlisted for service in
Cuba. No ordinary criminals are so enlisted.
Sees no objection to the publication of all his correspond-
ence. Prefers it should all be communicated.
Public interest in Cuban affairs decreased since flagrant
violations of law by insurgents. Instructed to report
opinion at Madrid as to campaign in Cuba. This govern-
ment has maintained its freedom of action against great
pressure. Its action will be governed by facts as they

52

53

56

58

59

60

61

63

64

66

68

68

69

69

II-CORRESPONDENCE AND PAPERS TRANSMITTED TO THE SENATE DECEMBER 20,

1869.

47

Mr. Hall to Mr. Nov. 18, 1868,
Seward.
No. 82.

48

..do

49

do

50

51

Mr. Hall to Mr.
Washburne.
Mr. Hall to Mr.
Hunter.

52

53

Dec. 17, 1868,
No. 83.

Feb. 25, 1869,
No. 89.

Mar. 11, 1869,
Mar. 11, 1869,
No. 4.

Mar. 27, 1869,
No. 17.

Quotes the views of a conservative Cuban, viz: News of
Spanish revolution enthusiastically received in Cuba.
Views of Cubans as to slavery are diverse--some desire
immediate abolition of it; some gradual; some its continu-
ance. The insurrection in the eastern and central depart-
ments is formidable. Mr. Hall adds that good order pre-
vails in his department.

Insurrection gaining strength. Condition at Matanzas.
General distrust and paralysis.

Transmitting letter from consular agent at Sagua la Grande.
State of things there much exaggerated. Details of move
ments.

Transmitting what purports to be a decree of the insurgents' assembly abolishing slavery.

Transmitting decree of Captain General authorizing capture on the high seas of vessels carrying men, arms, munitions, or effects in aid of insurgents, and directing execution as pirates of persons so captured.

Mr. Fish to Mr. Apr. 3, 1869 Calling attention to Captain General's decree of March 24, Lopez Roberts.

Mr. Hall to Mr. Apr. 2, 1869,
Fish.
No. 22.

and informing him that United States citizens have the right to carry on the high seas articles destined for the enemies of Spain, subject to seizure of such as may be con. traband of war, or to capture for violation of a lawfully established blockade. Persistence in the decree will endanger friendly relations.

Transmitting letter from Remedios, and saying that majority of American merchants agree with the writer, who states that American-born citizens are well treated by the Spanish authorities, do not favor the insurrection, and think it cannot succeed.

54 Mr. Lopez Rob- Apr. 5, 1869 | Attempts are made by false and exaggerated statements and erts to Mr.Fish.

public meetings to create sentiment in favor of Cuba. Persons in New York style themselves "the independent government of Cuba," and dispatch expeditions and arms in aid of the insurgents. He asks for a proclamation similar to that issued by Mr. Fillmore April 5, 1851.

55 Mr. Fish to Mr. Apr. 17, 1869 Does not perceive the necessity or propriety of issuing such Lopez Roberts.

proclamation. When Mr. Fillmore's proclamation was issued peace prevailed in Cuba, but an armed invasion was threatened from the United States. Now a portion of the people of Cuba are in insurrection to redress alleged wrongs, and no expeditions are leaving the United States. Mr. Robert admits that whenever called upon the officers of the United States have interfered effectively to prevent violation of law. United States still suffering from effects of precipitate recognition of belligerent rights, and will not depart from their traditional policy. The sympathy of the United States is with people striving to secure right of self-government, and with all efforts to free this continent from transatlantic control, but they desire to maintain friendly relations with governments still claiming control over neighboring possessions. They will not abridge the right of free discussion, but will limit their interference to preventing unlawful acts in infraction of their obligations to Spain and other friendly powers. Transmitting decree of April 1, 1869, prohibiting alienation of property except with the assent of the government. The President has seen with regret the decree of April 1, forbidding alienation of property in Cuba. Hopes it may be modified so as not to be applicable to property of citizens of the United States. Transmitting Count Valmaseda's proclamation of April 4, that every man over fifteen years of age found found away from home may be shot; that every unoccupied house and every house not flying a white flag may be burned; and that women not living at home or with their relatives may be carried forcibly to Jiguani or Bayamo; also informing the department that Count Valmaseda was moving his forces into the country.

Mr. Plumb to June 29, 1869,
Mr. Fish.
No. 56.

do

July 8, 1869,
No. 66.

Protesting, in the interests of civilization and humanity,
against Count Valmaseda's proclamation.

Directing him to make representations to the Spanish gov-
ernment against Count Valmaseda's proclamation.
Transmitting a letter giving an account of military opera-
tions near Nuevitas.
Transmitting copy of authorization of loan of eight millions
of dollars in Havana for suppressing insurrection. This
money is understood to be nearly exhausted. The princi-
ple recognized that Cuba is to bear the expenses arising
from the situation; also transmitting copy of decree of
Captain General authorizing seizure of horses.
The volunteers have forced General Dulce to resign..
Lawless conduct of volunteers at Matanzas,

Deposition of the Captain-General. The insurgents are
mostly creoles. Spanish residents, with their business and
property identified with the island, are dissatisfied with the
conduct of the government; they wish the war ended.
Those who conduct the war and hold the offices are sent
out from Spain and have no interest in the island.
Spanish residents, though disagreeing as to future, have
deposed General Dulce. They may do the same with new
Captain General if dissatisfied. Volunteers number about
30,000 on the island-10,000 in Havana-are unpaid and
furnish their own arms. Government depends upon them
to enforce its decrees. The organization officered by men
of position; men in ranks reckless. Volunteers intensely
loyal at present. Reported negotiations between Captain
General and Cubans; violence of volunteers; collisions
and insubordination; account of events that preceded
resignation of General Dulce. Mr. Plumb's speculations
upon what may follow.

Inclosing letter from Mr. Phillips, acting consul at Santiago
de Cuba, giving information of the summary execution of
Charles Speakman, a citizen of the United States.
Same subject, inclosing declaration of Speakman

Transmitting information about summary execution at San-
tiago de Cuba of Albert Wyeth, an American citizen, with
Wyeth's statement about himself and Speakman.
Same subject..

A vessel of war will proceed to Santiago de Cuba, to investi-
gate cases of Speakman and Wyeth.
Instructing him to demand compensation for the families of 103
Speakman and Wyeth; to require that citizens of the
United States shall be invested with as broad rights as
those of other countries; and to protest in the name of the
President against longer carrying on war in this barbarous
manner.

104

106

106

Inclosing copy of his note to Mr. Becerra as to Speakman
and Wyeth, &c., under instruction No. 9, (ante, No. 71.)
Report has been called for in cases of Speakman and Wyeth.
Reparation will be made if facts are found as alleged.
Inclosing copy of Mr. Silvela's note as to Speakman and
Wyeth, and of his rejoinder. Spanish minister says Speak-
man was executed in conformity with law.
Transmitting letter from consular agent at Nuevitas, giving | 112
account of capture of Spanish force by insurgents, and
progress of events.

Inclosing Captain General's decree of July 7, closing certain
ports, declaring voyages with arms, ammunition, or crew
for the insurgents illegal, and directing cruisers on the
high seas to exercise the rights stipulated for by the treaty
of 1795 with the United States, and to bring into port ves-
sels found enemies.

113

Mr. Fish to Mr. July 16, 1869 Calling attention to proclamation of Captain General of 114
Lopez Roberts.

July 7, as to rights claimed over vessels of the United
States on the high seas, under the treaty of 1795, &c. It
assumes power over the commerce of the United States
that can only be permitted in time of war. United States
will not yield right to carry contraband of war in time of
peace; will not permit their vessels to be interfered with
on the high seas except in time. of war. Treaty of 1795
confers no rights over vessels of the United States in time
of peace. If Spain is at war it should be known, in order
that notice be immediately given of the restrictions that
such state entails upon the commerce of the United

Synoptical list of papers-Continued.

No.

From whom and to whom.

Date.

89

do

90

do

do

Aug. 18, 1869,
No. 115.
Aug. 14, 1869,
No. 6.
Aug. 20, 1869,

No. 9.

Aug. 21, 1869,
No. 10.

Aug. 24, 1869,
No. 12.

Aug. 21, 1869,
No. 119.

Aug. 24, 1869,
No. 123.

Aug. 26, 1869,
No. 127.

Aug. 27, 1869,

No. 129.

Aug. 31, 1869,
No. 135.

Sept. 1, 1869,
No. 139.

States. Mr. Fish asks whether Spain recognizes a state of war as existing, and states that a continuance of the decree or any attempt to enforce it will be regarded as a recognition by Spain of a state of war with Cuba. Transmitting modifications of Captain General's decree of 116 | July 7, as to search of vessels on the high seas. Transmitting general order of the Captain General for con- 117 duct of the war with more humanity.

Conversation with Spanish minister, in which he states the wish of the liberal party in Spain to confer upon Cuba free institutions; the insurrection, unfortunately, prevented it.

The accounts in the United States favorable to the insurrec-
tion are exaggerated.

Incloses article 108 of Spanish constitution about Cuba.
Mr. Silvela regards it as preventing action upon Cuba till
Cuban deputies arrive at the Cortes.

General Prim states to Mr. Sickles that Cuban insurgents
hold no city or fortress, port or ships, and have no army
that offers battle.

Reasons why General Prim thinks the Cuban insurgents are not in a condition to negotiate.

Transmitting information about the murder of twenty prom-
inent citizens of Santiago de Cuba at Jiguani.
Same subject..

With abstracts of the several decrees for the embargo of | 124
property.

127

The insurgents have resolved upon a general destruction of 126
property, and especially the destruction of sugar estates.
This will entail great loss on citizens of the United States.
Transmitting a decree said to have been issued by the insur-
gents on the 4th May, 1869, for the conduct of the war.
Transmitting communication from consular agent at Man- 129
zanillo as to affairs in that quarter, and murders at Santi-
ago de Cuba.

92 Mr. Roberts to Sept. 18,1869, Belligerent rights to the Cubans. The United States are ap

Mr. Fish.

93. Mr. Fish to Mr. Oct. 13, 1869 Lopez Roberts.

parently on the eve of granting them. The doctrine as always held by the United States, and set forth by Mr. C. F.Adams and Mr. Sumner, stated. Mr. R. H. Dana quoted. Cubans have no ships, ports, or prize courts. Their army a band roaming in the eastern department. Policy of Spain in 1861 compared with what Mr. Roberts imagines to be the contemplated policy of the United States. Mr. Perry and Mr. Schurz cited." Malcontent Cubans in the United States have organized attacks on Spain; have enlisted men, emigrants even. Expeditions have openly left New York without interference, and Mr. Roberts has been obliged, by apathy of authorities, to initiate proceedings. Extravagant demonstrations in the country echoed by the press. Cuban emissaries have boasted of private official information. In this connection Mr. Roberts quotes from Mr. Dallas. Why do Cuban agents ask recognition? Because they need aid of the United States. Quotes again from Mr. Adams.

130

Mr. Roberts's letter of September 18 not received till Septem- 135
ber 25, on which day Mr. Fish left Washington on tempo-
rary absence. Might be sufficient answer to say that no
intention to grant belligerent rights has been announced.
More perfect answer to say that no such intention has been
reached by the United States. Mr. Fish pleased that Mr.
Roberts draws his authorities from the history and states-
men of the United States. Mr. Roberts has contrasted the
course of Spain in 1861 with that of the United States, and
says that Spain could not do otherwise than she did by
reason of her geographical position. Spain conceded bel-
ligerency to the South sixty-six days after assault on Sum-
ter-a bloodless combat. Mr. Fish admits the weight of
the argument from geographical position. The geographi-
cal position of Cuba considered, also the prolongation of
the contest, the number of combats, the number of the
killed, position of parties in Cuba as compared with parties
in the United States in 1861. Riquelme quoted to prove
that foreign intervention may be made in interest of hu-
manity. The United States have frequently remonstrated
in this interest against the manner in which this contest
is waged. The United States have hitherto acted on their
well-established policy. The present state cannot be in-.

Synoptical list of papers-Continued.

No.

From whom and to whom.

Date.

Subject.

definitely prolonged. The United States reserve right of future action. Many of Mr. Roberts's complaints are founded upon misapprehension of spirit of our institutions. The United States offer an asylum to the oppressed, and give freedom of speech and of action, restricted only by observance of the rights of others and maintenance of public peace; within those bounds all may assemble-malcontent Cubans and subjects of Spain. Unlawful expeditions have been planned, and, in one case, did succeed without attracting notice; but the United States have always been ready (as Mr. Roberts was informed) to act on information furnished by him, and have acted on such information, even when it has proved erroneons.

Inclosing a decree for organization of commission for reforms in Porto Rico, including abolition of slavery. The cruel mode of warfare in Cuba will be early considered in the Cortes.

Incloses a copy of the constitution of the Cuban républic..

Page.

138

142

143

Formation of the volunteer reserve corps. Time come for
all to define positions.
People of Havana begin to read newspapers and think upon 144
current events. Ten thousand young men enrolled as
volunteers in Havana, and daily read the papers. A sketch
of the kind of reading thus furnished.
General Prim does not intend to have re-enacted the scenes
that took place under General Dulce. Orders given to pre-
vent repetition of barbarities. General Sickles recom-
mended cartels. General Prim said it was necessary to
move cautiously.

Volunteers to be disbanded when hostilities cease. Scan-
dalous executions to be stopped; slavery to be gradually
abolished; liberal reforms to be granted without wait-
ing for termination of war.

145

145

146

146

149

Transmits substance of General Sickles's telegram, (ante 99,)
and instructs him to inquire and report upon same.
Does not think disarmament of volunteers practicable.
Reasons why it is not. Sees no evidence of intention to
cease hostilities before insurrection is suppressed. The
rulers in Cuba wish well to island and desire to stop effusion
of blood. General opinion that abolition should be gradual;
none think it should be deferred over five years.
Transmitting an account from Mr. Hall of the violent and
illegal conduct of the volunteers at Matanzas, and a copy
of a decree of the governor relating thereto.
Transmitting copy of a decree of Captain General, dated 152
September 28, 1869, concerning passenger vessels and pas-
sengers. Mr. Plumb objected to it and secured the modifi-
cations published October 13, of which copies are inclosed.
Mr. Plumb instructed to protest against the decree and rules
for enforcing same, contained in his number 181, (ante,) so
far as concerns passenger vessels of the United States.
The decree, (see ante 103 and 104,) not intended to refer to
passengers in transit, will be modified.
Inclosing modification of decree as to passenger vessels.
(Ante 105.)

153

154

155

Transmitting copy of decree giving liberty of worship in 155
Cuba. Also a copy of Mr. Silvela's note desiring the Pres-
ident to use his influence with Cuban refugees to secure
less savage character to the war, and to release the Span-
ish gunboats, which are neither intended to operate against
Peru or Cuba, but to defend the coast against the aggres-
sions of filibusters and pirates.

Inclosing copy of decree for freedom of worship.

156

A decree has been promulgated removing restrictions of 158 formation of joint-stock companies.

108

109

Mr. Plumb to
Mr. Davis.
.do

110

Sibamcá and Guaimaro-the former a hamlet, the latter a place of five hundred inhabitants-the only places occupied by the insurgents.

158

Sibamcá and Guaimaro are both destroyed..

Nov. 2, 1869,
No. 207.

Nov. 2, 1869,
No. 208.

Nov. 4, 1869,
No. 211.

Nov. 3, 1869,
No. 31.

Inclosing a circular inciting the negroes to burn the estates, 159
forwarded by the consul at Matanzas, and said by him to
have been "probably printed in New York."

As to the orders given by the insurgents for the burning of
estates and cane-fields.

Commission on reforms in Porto Rico has been dissolved.... 160

158

160