The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-12-02
Mr.. Saunders TO Mr.. Buchanan.
LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES,

LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES,
MADRID, august IS, 1S4S.
SIR reached here this morning, from La
Granja, and was somewhat surprised to find
the gentleman who had engaged to carry my
despatch to Liverpool had not yet left, but ex-
poets to do 20 tonight. 1t is perhaps as well,
as it enables me to add information on the sub
ject of a more definite character. On the 18th
instant | had an interview with the Minister
of Foreign Affairs, in which was more ex-
plcit in my communication, and he more can
did in his reply. | repeated the interest which
the United States felt in the present and future
condition Of Cuba, and the belief of the Presi-
dent that possibly the existing state Of things
might render it desirable for her Majesty to
enter into negotiations on the subject He
said he had been informed by General Mar
vaez of the nature of my communication to
him, and of my authority that, if | wished
to press the matter further at this time, he
should like to hear whether proposed to treat
for the cession of Cuba to the United States, or
for its security to Spain And in the event of
difficulty with England, whether Spain could
rely for any aid from the United States.
| answered that it was from the fear Of a
difficulty with England and the threat on her
part to seize on Cuba, which had, in part, in
duced the President to give me the special au-
thority he had done at present that as his
Excellency would see, an open rupture between
Spain and England-the allies of the United
States-might greatly embarrass her as to the
part which she, as a neutral, might find it
necessary to take; that, whilst self-preserva-
ton and the interest of her commerce might
prevent her from remaining passive in the
event of any pressing danger, she would great
! ly prefer direct purchase of Cuba to invov-
ing herself in war with England on that ac-
count. He said he fully understood our diff
Guilty; that from the present state of things,
he did not anticipate anything of the kind
that it was but candid in him to say he could
not hold out any prospect at present of a ces-
sion that possibly time might bring it about.
| Cuba was reported to them as being secure,
but there was no telling how long it might re-
main So He was pleased TO receive my CON-
munication should treat it as entirely conf
| Dental and if anything should occur to pro-
duce different state of things, he should not
| fail to inform me of it.
The above is, in substance, what transpired
did not deem it prudent to urge the matter
further at this time, but shall not fail to keep
myself fully informed of everything which may
occur and should see the least prospect Of
succe IS, shall, of course avail myself of it.
You may possibly see in the English papers
some reference to the relations with Spain, and
the anxiety on the part Of the latter to have
these matters accommodated. | doubt if thi;
be so. AT least, | am certain General Narvae,
has manifested no anxiety on the subject
Senior Mon has just come into the Cabinet a,
Minister Of Finance. He is the brother-in- Law
of the Minister of State; is the peculiar friend
and partisan of Christina; is reported an homes
man, and, from his character is likely to i'm
prove the moneyed matters of the country
The calculation is, that he and Narvaez may
not continue to act very long with much har
mony | doubt if he is likely to contribut.
anything to my success in regard to Cuba.
have received from the Minister of State tn,
note, a copy Of which enclose, inviting me
as you will see, to be present at the accouche
ment of the Duchess of Montpeasier AS
found most of the diplomatic corps intende,
going deemed it proper for me to accept, an,
shall 60 off within few days. This may seen
rather ridiculous matter to US; but, as you
know, is considered necessary ceremon,
among the regal families Of Europe. hav
been given to understand my prompt accept
ance was quite gratifying, both to the Queer
and her mother. trust therefore, in the ab
sence of any direct instructions, the Presiden
will approve Of my course.
am, sir, very respectfully,
X. NJ. SAUNDERS.
James Buchanan, Esq, &c.