[Extract.]

Mr. Hale to Mr. Seward

No. 35.]

Sir: I have the honor to report that intelligence was received here yesterday, from the Egyptian explorer, Baker, under date of Khartum, May 10, 1865. He reports that on the 14th day of March of the preceding year, (that is, eighteen hundred and sixty-four,) he discovered in north latitude 1° 14’ a lake, of which he had been in search; that he sailed in a canoe upon this lake 13 days to its junction with the river Nile, in north latitude 2° 16’; that he then ascended the river for a distance not stated, until he came to a fall through a gap one hundred and twenty feet higher. To the lake, which is two hundred and sixty miles long, he has given the name of “Albert Nyanza,” and he regards this lake and the “Victoria Nyanza,” of Captain Speke, as the two parents of the Nile. He reports that the lake “Albert Nyanza” receives the whole drainage of the Mountains of the Moon.

The explorer is expected here shortly, and upon his arrival in Alexandria further particulars may doubtless be obtained.* * * *

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CHARLES HALE.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.