[Translation.]

Mr. Mercier to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have received the note your excellency has done me the honor to address to me, of to-day’s date, as well as the copy of the letter and of the order of General Shepley, relative to the appointment of a commission of in quiry, which shall be charged with ascertaining the facts which have caused the complaint of Mr. Bougére.

In thanking your excellency for this communication, I take the liberty again to say to you that an investigation conducted under such conditions seems to me the best means of arriving at the truth of the facts, and, consequently, at an equitable settlement of claims, and I shall regard with great satisfaction all those my countrymen have to make, worthy of submission henceforth to a like test.

Accept, sir, the assurance of my very high consideration.

HENRI MERCIER.

Hon. Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State.