Mr. Koerner to Mr. Seward.
Sir:On the 20th of this month there were ratified by the Queen two treaties of recognition, peace and friendship made some time in 1863; one with the perpetual president of Guatemala, and the other with the Argentine Republic.
On the 24th of June the ministers of both those republics were received in audience by the Queen. At the same time the minister of Nicaragua, Señor de Marcoleto, presented his credentials; a treaty of recognition, peace and friendship having existed between Spain and that republic for some time previous.
[Page 87]I enclose the treaties and reception speeches. Whether these ratifications and receptions were purely accidental, or whether they were made to take place just at this juncture, with a view to show cordial relations with some of the Spanish American republics, and to quiet certain apprehensions which have necessarily arisen on account of the Peruvian troubles, I am not able to decide positively. But the latter alternative seems probable enough. I believe none of the ministers of these republics will remain here. They are or have been for some time accredited at Paris and other courts to which they will return.
Despatch No. 96 is still missing. Since I acknowledged receipt of your despatches 98, 99, 100 and 101, I have received 102, 103 and 104.
In regard to the treaty for the settlement of the limits of the maritime jurisdiction of Spain, in the waters of Cuba, I had heretofore confined myself to a bare statement to Mr. Pacheco, that it does not appear that Mr. Tassara had received instructions to sign it.
He said he only recollected that there had been some such question, but he said he would look into it. I have since ascertained from the chief of the bureau to which the relations with the United States belong, that no instructions had been sent by the Marquis of Miraflores. I judge from your despatch 102 that you do not wish me to urge the matter.
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I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.