The German Government was very courteous to us in the matter and it was found that the Spanish ship concerned was not so fitted up and that the contraband was of a very ordinary sort, such as could be obtained from various nations.  The result was that the vessel, after a brief visit, proceeded on her way, and our agents at Hamburg informed me later that during the entire war vessels freely carried ammunition from German ports both to Spain and to the United States, and that neither of the belligerents made any remonstrance.  Of course, I was aware that under the usages of nations I had, strictly speaking, no right to demand seizure of the contraband concerned, but it seemed my duty at least to secure the above information regarding it and the ship which carried it.

I remain, dear sir,

  Very respectfully yours,

    (Signed) ANDREW D. WHITE.