Mr. Seward to Mr. Schieffelin
Department of State,
Washington,
February 5, 1867.
Sir: Referring to the late correspondence
which has passed between your legation and this department on the
subject of the danger apprehended by your government from the native
tribes of Liberia, I have the honor to enclose for your information
a copy of a letter of the Secretary of the Navy, stating that
Rear-Admiral Goldsborough, commanding the European squadron, has
been instructed to direct the next cruiser, sent by him to the coast
of Africa, to visit Liberia.
I avail myself of this occasion to offer to you the assurances of my
high consideration.
H. M. Schieffelin, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
[Page 333]
Mr. Welles to Mr. Seward
Navy Department,
Washington,
January 18, 1867.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of the 14th instant, enclosing a copy
of a note addressed to you on the 11th instant by the
representative of Liberia, requesting this government to extend
to Liberia the assistance of one of our cruisers on that
coast.
A copy of Mr. Schieffelin’s communication will be sent to
Rear-Admiral Goldsborough, commanding the European squadron,
within the limits of whose command Liberia is situated, for his
information. One of his vessels has recently been cruising on
the African coast, and it is quite likely may have visited
Liberia.
In relation to the subject of transferring a vessel to the
government of Liberia, I would state that we have vessels, one
of which might be transferred, but they were not acceptable to
the agent.
Very respectfully, &c,
GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the
Navy.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
