No. 991.
Mr. Strobel to Mr. Bayard.

No. 352.]

Sir: Referring to the Department’s No. 321 of the 8th instant, inclosing letters of inquiry of Mr. Samuel Prewett, concerning an estate alleged to have been left by a certain General John Featheringill, I have the honor to inclose my reply to that gentleman, for the information of the Department, in case other applications should be made for the same purpose.

The statement about General Featheringill published in the American newspapers is merely one of the many stories of unclaimed fortunes left in Spain by American citizens, none of which has ever been found to have the slightest foundation in fact. The legation has received during the past year innumerable letters of inquiry from members of Congress, lawyers, college professors, and representatives of all classes and conditions, all showing the interest felt in General Featheringill’s fate. It is remarkable how wide a circle of friends and relatives the deceased in these cases are usually found to possess.

I have, etc.,

Edward H. Strobel.
[Inclosure in No. 352.]

Mr. Strobel to Mr. Prewett.

Dear Sir: I have to-day received from the Secretary of State your letters of August 15 and September 3 asking for information concerning General John Featheringill. In consequence of the newspaper notices to which you refer, this legation has, [Page 1469] during the past year, been in receipt of numerous letters of inquiry of the same kind and made prompt application to the war department for all information existing in reference to General Featheringill. The minister of war replied that nothing was known of that gentleman, and that after diligent examination it appeared that no such officer has ever been connected with the Spanish army.

Very truly, etc.,

Edward H. Strobel.