Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-12-04
JAMES BUCHANAN. Esq. &c. &c.
Mr.. Saunders to Mr.. Buchanan.

Mr.. Saunders to Mr.. Buchanan.
LEGATION THE UNITED STATES,
MADRID, November II, IS4S.
Sir: There appeared in the New York Herald of
the goth October a letter purporting be from a
Madrid correspondent, and 10 have been written by
an American. 1t reflects in very polite terms on
this legation, and refers negotiations which the
writer assumes pending for the cession of Cuba
TO the United States. These statements, with the
editorial of the Herald, have been copied into the
English and French papers, and, you will from
the enclosed articles, have been noticed by the press
here. l deemed 1t proper TO call on the Minister of
Foreign Affairs, and to assure him the matter had
found It's way into the press without any authority
from any thing done said OH the part Of myself or
the Secretary of this Legation. He said he had no
suspicion OF any thing of that kind, but supposed it
trick of the newspaper editors, of some one for
the purpose of mischief: that it somewhat an
noying. as it was calculated to produce bad effect
in their colonies. | assured him | had taken steps
to have the matter Sc; ght at home, and to find out,
if l could, the author OF the letter. He expressed
himself as satisfied, and the matter dropped. You
will from the articles enclosed, the spirit in
which the question of the cession is received, and
the feeling of the public on the subject. It is GER
tain they regard Cuba as their most precious gem,
and nothing short of extreme necessity will in
duce them to part with it. There state
ments in the publication which feel called upon TO
notice. But it is utterly untrue that have ever
found it necessary to consult any one unconnecied
with the legation, in my intercourse with the Gov
eminent. On the contrary. most Of the Secretaries
of Foreign Affairs since my being here have spoken
English, and have at time been embarrassed on
that account, the Under-Secretary is good Eng
lsh scholar. So the statement does great injustice
10 Mr.. Sawyer, he is good French scholar speaks
il well, and is fully qualified TO in and to
translate the Spanish. regret to say these refer
ences, with other illusions in the letter. have excit
ed my suspicious to the author. In this may be
mistaken. | deem it proper to inform you, as the
letter refers to negotiations which the writer says
took place during the mission of my predecessor,
felt al liberty write to Mr. Irving, requesting him
to say to Mr.. Rennett the statements in the letter
were false, and. to endeavor, if practicable, find
its author. You can, therefore, if you should
fit, communicate direct with Mr.. Irving, await his
answer my letter. If my suspicious to the u
thor of the letter shall prove to be well-founded he
certainly deserves to he exposed if unfounGed then
it will give me pleasure to have them removed.
l have had encouragement to renew the subject
in regard Cuba far as have been able to col
ect the opinion of the public, il is against cesson,
and l do not think the present Ministry could
would venture such step both PidaI and Mon
are against it, and Narvaez says nothing.
am, sir, very respectfully,
r. Nj. SAUNDERS.
JAMES BUCHANAN, Esq, Secretary of State.