No. 244.
Mr. Marsh to Mr. Fish.
Borne, February 26, 1872. (Received March 26.)
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your instruction No. 333, dated February 6, 1872, in relation to the case of the American [Page 317] brig Shamrock, lost at the entrance of the port of Genoa, a few weeks since. The case was reported to me by the consulate-general immediately after the loss of the ship. The statement-of the consul at Genoa being unsupported by evidence, and not being as full and clear as, seemed to me necessary, I requested further information and affidavits from the officers of the ship. These were furnished, but the testimony did not seem to me by any means conclusive against the health-officers of the port, and it left many points very insufficiently explained. At the same time I thought it very important that an investigation should take place before the crew of the vessel were dispersed, and I requested Mr. Wurts to prepare a note to the ministry of foreign affairs, asking an inquiry into the circumstances, and inclosing copies of the testimony received. To this note no reply has yet been received.
I am, &c.,