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of the charterer of the vessel and therefore the Master has no claim upon it. The owner + shipper is at Havana.

My object in addressing you is to bring the destitute situation of these unfortunate men to your notice and that of the Government, and they will feel deeply indebted if the absolute want to which they are reduced can be mitigated. Not one of them can speak English and they are very desirous of getting back to Havana or some Spanish country.

As I possess no power or [illegible] from the Spanish Government and [underlined: no salary] for the honourable office with which I am entrusted, it is not of my power to relieve them excepting provision for their
immediate