Mr. Springer to Mr. Rockhill.
Habana, November 20, 1896.
Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department that on the 14th instant I received from Mrs. Emma Laborde, of Key West, a copy, certified by the collector of customs of that port, of the oath and appointment of her husband as master of the American schooner Competitor.
I returned this certificate to the collector, with the request that he procure the authentication of his signature by the Spanish consul, believing that the document would be more valid before the court here, and also forestall any objection that might be offered for the want of such formality.
The certificate has been returned duly indorsed, and I have transmitted it to the Governor-General, with the request that it be forwarded to the court having cognizance of Mr. Laborde’s case.
In her letter, Mrs. Laborde states that she had been informed by the [Page 744] collector that the Spanish consul had also obtained a certificate regarding her husband, and the port he had cleared for, Miami.
I am, etc.,