SPAIN-STEAMER VIRGINIUS.9


                              No. 683.

                     General Sickles to Mr. Fish.
                             [Telegram.]

                       MADRID, December 20, 1873-12.30 a. m.
                               (Received December 20-10.20 a. m.)
  It is stated here by authority that, in consequence of a communica-
tion this government has received from that of the United States, in
which it appears the Virginius is not an American ship, a reclamation
will be made by Spain for the restoration of the vessel and passengers.
                                                       SICKLES.


                              No. 684.

                     Mr. Fish to General Sickles.

                             [Telegram.]
                                  WASHINGTON, December 20, 1873f
  Your resignation will be accepted. Letter of recall, with instructions,
will be forwarded by next mail.
  The Attorney-General decides that the Virginius was not rightfully
carrying the flag of the United States at the time of her capture; con-
sequently the salute willbhe.spontaneously dispensed with.
                                                            FISH.


                              No. 685.

                      iI1r. Fish to General Sickles.
                              [Telegram.]

                WASHINGTON, December 20, 1873. (Sent 11.20 a. in.)
  Official advices received of surrender of survivors from Virginius.
                                                            FISH.


                               No. 686.

                      General Sickles to Mr. Fish.
                              [Telegram.]
           MADRiD, December 26, 1873. (Received Dec. 26,y- p. m.)
   My resignation having been acceptedl I now respectfully renew my
 request for the publication of the correspondence relating thereto, com-
 prising my telegrams of the 6th, 16th, and 20th instant, and your replies
 of the 6th, 17th, and 20th. I beg that this request may be submitted
 to the President.
                                                        SICKLES.


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