Mr. McMath to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Referring you to my despatch, No. 23, dated September 2, I now have the honor to inform you that the minister for France this day invited the agents of Christian powers to his hotel, and informed them that his government could see no reason why the light-house was not illuminated on the 30th ultimo, and instructed the minister to confer with his colleagues and arrange with them to illuminate at an earlier day than the 31st of this month. The minister suggested the 15th instant, which was agreed to by the agents of nine powers. To this I dissented. The light-house will be illuminated on the 15th current, and before this despatch reaches you. Ten powers, I am informed, have instructed their agents to take part in the control and maintenance of the light.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.