Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward

No. 10.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 9, of December 13, 1864, relative to the courtesy extended to Captain Collins, United States navy, commanding United States steamer Wachusett, by his excellency the governor of the island of St. Bartholomew, on her recent passage home from the coast of Brazil.

I enclose a copy of a note addressed by me to Count Manderstrom, minister of state and of foreign affairs, on the subject.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

JAMES H. CAMPBELL.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.

[Untitled]

Sir: The United States steamer Wachusett, on a recent passage home from the coast of Brazil, found it necessary to touch at the island of St. Bartholomew for supplies. Her commander, Captain Collins, United States navy, subsequently made report to the honorable the Secretary of the Navy of the United States, that the kindest consideration was bestowed upon him, and every facility extended for the accomplishment of his object by his excellency the governor of the island. Although there was a case of varioloid on board the Wachuset [Page 191] at the time, the knowledge of which might have restrained authorities less kindly disposed, yet the civility extended was as marked on the part of his excellency the governor as beneficial and grateful to the recipients.

I beg leave to assure your excellency that this courtesy was highly appreciated by my government, and, on behalf of the President of the United States, I most cordially thank his Majesty for this new assurance of friendship.

Permit me to renew on this occasion the assurance of my highest consideration.

JAMES H. CAMPBELL.

His Excellency Count Manderstrom, Minister of State and of Foreign Affairs, &c.