Mr. Fish to Mr. Hurlbut.
Sir: I transmit a copy of a letter of the 6th instant, addressed to this Department by the Acting Comptroller of the Treasury, and of the accompanying statement of the account between this Government and that of the United States of Colombia, with reference to the awards of the joint commission under the conventions of the 10th of September, 1857, and 10th of February, 1864, a copy of which is also herewith transmitted. Pursuant to the account adverted to there was due to this Government by that of Colombia, on the 31st of December last, the sum of $157,372 48. It appears that the last payment was made by that government on the 22d of June, 1868. It is presumed that the account is stated in strict conformity to the terms of payment stipulated in Article III of the convention of 1857. Hence the charge for interest on deferred payments, to which it cannot be anticipated that that government will object. You will mention the subject to the Colombian minister for foreign affairs, and may leave with him a copy of the account. You will say to him that it is desirable that the balance due by Colombia should be paid as soon as may be convenient, especially as we long ago advanced to the claimants the sums awarded to them respectively.
I am, &c.,