I am inclined to admit that if a Spanish subject serving under my flag should escape to the shore, and should satisfy the authorities that he was held by me by force, and either without contract, or in violation of contract, that he might be set at liberty, but such is not the present case.

The nationality of the deserters not being Spanish, Spain cannot, as I said before, inquire into it.

To conclude, the case which I present is simply this:--Several of my crew, serving on board my ship under voluntary contracts, have deserted, and taken refuge in the consulate of the United States.

To deprive me of the power, with the assistance of the police, to recapture these men, would convert the consulate into a camp, and the consul would be permitted to exercise the right of a belligerent on neutral territories.
I have the honour to be, &c., &c.
(Signed) R.SEMMES.
Exmo.Sr.Don J.Mendez de Vigo, Military Governor, Cadiz.
_Friday, January 17th._--Before I had turned out this morning the Governor's aid again came on board, stating the order was made peremptory, that I should go to sea in six hours, or I should be forced.
I called in person on the Governor, a not over bright official, and endeavoured to make him understand how I was situated, but it seemed impossible.

He promised, however, to send a despatch to Madrid, to the effect that I had no coals, and was awaiting funds to procure the same; but, he added, if he received no despatch in the six hours he should require me to depart.