Mr. Seward to Mr. Burton.

No. 169.]

Sir: I inclose a copy of a letter of this date addressed to me by Mr. James A. Scrymser, a director of the International Ocean Telegraph Company, requesting that you may be instructed to aid Mr. Charles Rebello, an agent of that company, in obtaining from the government of the United States of Colombia the privilege of landing their cable on the shores of that republic. As the interests of the government and citizens of the United States are materially concerned in securing, as soon as practicable, reliable telegraphic communication with that republic, the application of the company is commended to your attention.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Allan A. Burton, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

Mr. Scrymser to Mr. Seward.

Sir: The International Ocean Telegraph Company, chartered under the laws of the State of New York, having obtained from the legislature of the State of Florida, and from the Congress of the United States, the exclusive privilege of landing telegraphic cables on the coast of Florida, and from the government of Spain the exclusive privilege of landing such cables on the shores of Cuba and Porto Rico, is now desirous of obtaining from the government of the United States of Colombia the privilege of landing such cables upon the shores of that republic; and on behalf of the president and directors of the company, I have now the honor to request that you will inform our minister at Bogota that Mr. Charles Rebello, agent of the company for that purpose, will present to the congress of the United States of Colombia, at its next session, the petition of the company praying for a grant of permission to land telegraphic cables on that coast, and to instruct him to give such advice and assistance to Mr. Rebello as may be in his power towards effecting the accomplishment of the enterprise in view. The company desire very much to present their petition to the congress of the United States of Colombia at its next meeting, which takes place at an early day, and they would be much pleased if Mr. Seward would do them the favor to give the advice and instruction to our minister at Bogota, herein asked for at as early a period as may be convenient to him; the mail for Bogota from New York closing on Monday, 31st instant, at 9 a. m.

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

JAMES A. SCRYMSER, Director International Ocean Telegraph Company.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.