Mr. Mallory to Mr. Mason.
Sir: Your letter of the 18th ultimo reached me a few days ago. Without your advice and effectual assistance the enterprise for which Lieutenant Sinclair has been selected must have been indefinitely deferred, and you have my cordial thanks for your action therein. Your stipulations in behalf of this department are fully indorsed, and will be promptly fulfilled.
The treasury has under consideration your suggestions as to cotton bonds, and Mr. Benjamin will advise you of the modifications of the form transmitted by you which Mr. Memminger deems necessary.
The speedy completion and departure of Mr. Sinclair’s work I regard of so much importance that I must invoke your further aid, should he require it, to enable him to raise funds for the purpose of which I have advised him, and the repetition of which here I deem inexpedient.
The courier who brought your despatches found a means of communication whose safety justifies their further use, and Mr. Benjamin will probably advise you thereof. The completion of the contract of this gentleman will place a peculiar class of ships, never before constructed, upon the sea in our service; and I shall regret if the treasury department shall fail to make such arrangement as will enable him to accomplish this important enterprise.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. James M. Mason, Commissioner, &c., No. 54 Devonshire street, Portland Place, London.