No. 163.
Mr. Fish to Sir Edward
Thornton.
Washington, July 24, 1872.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 20th instant, relative to the unseemly position in which the flag of the United States was placed on board the captured schooner James Bliss, in the harbor of Gaspé.
I am gratified to learn that the matter had attracted the attention of yourself and of the Canadian authorities, in anticipation of any observations on the part of this Government, and I note with satisfaction that an investigation into the facts is in progress.
It appears by your note, and the papers accompanying it, that the privy council of Canada, Lord Dufferin, the Governor-General of that Dominion, and yourself, unite in disavowing that there was any intention of showing disrespect to the American flag, and that orders have been given to prevent the placing of one flag over another, under such circumstances, in future.
It only remains for me to express my thanks for the prompt measures which have been taken by yourself and the Canadian authorities, to do away with the unpleasant impression produced by the error of the captain of the vessel who made the seizure of the James Bliss.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your obedient servant,