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the aforesaid Barque in conformity with the Law of Spain.
I am very sorry that you should for a moment believe that I refused to deliver what is deposited in this Consulate to those who have right to it. I have refused and will refuse to deliver the property which is claimed by a person unknown to me and which there is claimed under a wrong name, a Chinaman under the name of "Manuel" on board the "Altagracia" and also because no order or other document was produced shewing authority for such demand. I could not therefore accede to a claim made in so irregular a manner. You have taken the trouble to explain to me the Law of this Colony, and I am very much obliged for it, but I must say that I have occupied the post of Consul for Spain for seven years in the English Colonies and am acquainted with the Law relative to Consular Acts.
From the foregoing you will