No. 265.
Mr. De Long to Mr. Fish.

No. 461.]

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that on the 15th of July last I received a note from the Japanese acting minister for foreign affairs and the minister for Peru, in Japan, requesting me to sell the bark Maria Luz. (Inclosure No. 1.)

To this I replied on the following day consenting to discharge the duty they had requested me to perform. (Inclosure No. 2.)

On the 20th of the same month I addressed those gentlemen another note, (inclosure No. 3,) forwarding copy of a published notice of the sale of said bark, (inclosure No. 4,) also copy of inventory of personal property on board of the vessel to be sold with her. (Inclosure No. 5.)

On the 22d of July I received a note from the Peruvian minister in reply. (Inclosure No. 6.)

On the 6th instant I again addressed a note in duplicate to the two ministers informing them of the sale of the bark, the price obtained, &c., (inclosure No. 7,) inclosing copy of the auctioneer’s account of sales. (Inclosure No. 8.)

Copy of account of Messrs. Walsh, Hall & Co. for keeping the vessel, (inclosure No. 9,) and also copy of draft of bill of sale that it was requested that I should sign. (Inclosure No. 10.)

On the 8th instant I received a reply from the Peruvian minister approving of the account, and requesting me to conclude the business by executing the bill of sale; thanking me for my services, &c. (Inclosure No 11.)

On the 9th instant I received a note of similar import from the Japanese minister. (Inclosure No. 12.) On the 11th instant I settled with the auctioneer and obtained his receipt. (Inclosure No. 13.) Also with Messrs. Walsh, Hall & Co. and obtained their receipt. (Inclosure No. 14.)

Also on the same day I deposited the residue in bank for the benefit of the creditors of the Maria Luz, as per certificate. (Inclosure No. 15.)

On the 12th instant I again addressed the Japanese and Peruvian ministers, advising them of my proceedings, forwarding copies of receipts, &c. (Inclosure No. 16.) On the 15th instant I received a reply from the Peruvian minister, acknowledging receipt of my note and approving of my proceedings. (Inclosure No. 17.)

The reply of the Japanese minister has not yet been received.

In accepting this trust I was actuated solely by a desire to relieve the officials of a subject they could neither handle consistently without the aid of a neutral friend; and in discharging this trust I was extremely cautious to do nothing not first made known to and sanctioned by them; and I also guarded all of my acts that no pecuniary or political responsibility could in any event attach to the Government of the United States; and I sincerely trust that what I have done may meet with your kind approval.

I have, &c.,

C. E. DE LONG.

P. S. Since writing the foregoing I have received the expected note from the Japanese minister. (Inclosure No. 18.)

C. E. DE LONG.
[Page 620]
[Inclosure 1.]

Excellency: We have the honor to bring to your excellency’s notice the following extract from the protocol of the agreement made on the 23d June, 1873, by the undersigned in representation of Peru and Japan, for submission to His Majesty, the Emperor of all the Russias, of the difference between the two governments growing out of the case of the Maria Luz:

Whereas the bark Maria Luz, abandoned by her captain, now lies in bay of Yokohama in charge of a guardian placed on board of her by the then representative of Peru in Japan, the Hon. C. E. De Long, minister of the United States, and with the consent of the Japanese government; and whereas that guardianship has been and is now the cause of daily expense, the undersigned, equally desirous to bring to an end this state of things, have agreed that the ship shall be sold at public auction for the benefit of all parties interested in the vessel. Both governments declining to receive the proceeds of the sale, such proceeds, after paying the expense of keeping the ship since her abandonment, are to be deposited in the Bank of Yokohama to await such disposition as may be ordered by a competent court or by the arbitrator.

We beg in consequence to say that it will be agreeable to the undersigned if your excellency, who with the consent of the Japanese government took charge of the ship in October, 1872, acting for Peruvian interests, will trouble yourself in view of the condition of the bark not having been modified since, and do us the service to take measures for selling the Maria Luz at such time and in such manner in conformity with the protocol as in your judgment will be likely to obtain the best price, and will dispose of the proceeds, less expenses of sale, according to the terms of the above agreement, it being understood that this action on your part shall in no case be a cause of any responsibility to the Government or to yourself.

We have the honor to assure your excellency of our highest and most distinguished consideration.

(Signature of minister for foreign affairs in Japanese.

AURELIO GA y GARCIA,
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Peru in Japan.
[Inclosure 2.]

Mr. De Long to their Excellencies Oyeno Kagenori, acting minister for foreign affairs of His Imperial Japanese Majesty, and Aurelio Ga y Garcia, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Peru in Japan.

Sirs: The undersigned, acknowledging the receipt of your communication addressed to him of date the 14th instant, with respect to the disposition of the bark Maria Luz, begs leave in reply to state that as a matter of accommodation he will forthwith comply with the request you make. The undersigned begs leave to assure your excellency of his high and most distinguished consideration.

C. E. DE LONG.
[Inclosure 3.]

Mr. De Long to Oyeno Kagenori and Aurelio Garcia y Garcia.

Gentlemen: I have the honor to inclose for your information copy of published notice of sale of bark Maria Luz, with her cargo; also copy of inventory of personal property on board of the vessel which will be sold with her.

I have, &c.,

C. E. DE LONG.
[Page 621]
[Inclosure 4.]

[From the Japan Daily Herald.]

notification.

The undersigned has received from their excellencies the acting minister for foreign affairs for Japan, and the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Peru in Japan, the following joint official note, to wit:

To His Excellency C. E. De Long, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States in Japan.

Yedo, July 14, 1873.

Excellency: We have the honor to bring to your excellency’s notice the following extracts from the protocol of the agreement made on the 25th of June, 1873, by the undersigned, in representation of Japan and Peru, for the submission to His Majesty, the Emperor of all the Russias, of the difference between the two governments growing out of the Maria Luz case:

Whereas the bark Maria Luz, abandoned by her captain, now lies in the bay of Yokohama in charge of a guardian placed on board of her by the then representative of Peru in Japan, the Hon. C. E. De Long, minister of the United States, and with the consent of the Japanese government; and whereas that guardianship has been and is now the cause of daily expense, the undersigned, equally desirous to bring to an end this state of things, have agreed that the ship shall be sold at public auction for the benefit of all parties interested in the vessel.

Both governments declining to receive the proceeds of the sale, such proceeds, after the payment of the expenses of keeping the ship since her abandonment, are to be deposited in the Bank of Yokohama, to await such disposition as may be ordered by a competent court or by the arbitrator.

We beg, in consequence, to say that it will be agreeable to the undersigned if your excellency, who, with the consent of the Japanese government, took charge of the ship in October, 1872, acting for Peruvian interests, will trouble yourself, in view of the condition of the bark not having been modified since, and do us the service to take measures for selling the Maria Luz, at such time and in such manner, in conformity with the protocol, as in your judgment will be likely to obtain the best price, and will dispose of the proceeds, less expenses of sale, according to the terms of the above agreement, it being understood that this action on your part shall in no case be a cause of any responsibility to the Government of the United States or to yourself.

We have the honor to assure your excellency of our highest and most distinguished consideration.

GAIMUSHO-YU UYENO,

AURELIO GA y GARCIA,
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Peru in Japan.

The undersigned has, in pursuance of such request, given directions to Messrs. C. A. Fletcher & Co. to sell the bark Maria Luz, with all her appurtenances, cargo, &c., by public auction, in the bay of Yokohama, on the 1st day of August, at 10 o’clock a.m.

C. E. DE LONG,
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States in Japan.

[Inclosure 5.]

inventory of the maria luz.

Ground-tackle.

  • 1 bower-anchor.
  • 1 bower-anchor.
  • 1 stream-anchor.
  • 1 bower-chain, 150 fathoms.
  • 1 bower-chain, 150 fathoms.
  • 1 kedge-anchor.

Compasses, &c.

  • 2 brass compasses.
  • 1 tell-tale compass.
  • 1 brass binnacle.
  • 2 brass binnacle lanterns
  • 1 telescope.
  • 2 28-second glasses.
  • 1 14-second alass.
  • 4 side lanterns.
  • 8 tin lanterns.
  • 1 barometer.
[Page 622]

Cordage.

  • 1 hawser.
  • 1 coil 3½-inch manila rope, (new.)
  • ¾ coil 3½-inch manila rope.
  • ½ coil 2½-inch manila rope.
  • 1 bundle hemp twine.
  • 5 pieces rattling stuff.
  • 1 lot spun yarn.

Sails.

  • 2 royals, (new.)
  • 1 main-top-gallant staysail.
  • 1 flying-jib.
  • 1 main-top-gallant sail.
  • 1 mainsail.
  • 1 fore-top-gallant sail.
  • 1 foresail.
  • 1 jib.
  • 1 mizzen staysail.
  • 1 mizzen ton-mast staysail.
  • 2 deck-awnings.
  • 1 new sail.
  • 1 top-mast stunsail, (new.)
  • 1 lower stunsail.
  • 1 lower fore-topsail.
  • 1 lower mainsail.
  • 1 upper mainsail.
  • 1 upper fore-topsail.
  • 1 fore-top-mast staysail.
  • 1 main-top-mast staysail.
  • 1 mizzen gaff topsail.
  • 1 spanker.
  • 1 wind-sail.
  • 11 old sundry sails.

Colors and signals.

  • Sundry signals.

Cabin furniture.

  • 1 sofa.
  • 1 dining-table.
  • 1 kerosene lamp.
  • 7 rifles and bayonets.
  • 6 chairs.
  • 1 looking-glass.
  • 1 medicine-chest.
  • 2 mattresses.

Pantry.

  • 1 cruet-stand.
  • 1 sugar-bowl.
  • 8 meat-dishes.
  • 21 soup-plates.
  • 21 dinner-plates. 1
  • 18 breakfast-plates.
  • 33 wine-glasses.
  • 1 decanter.
  • 1 gravy-dish.
  • 1 gravy-bowl.
  • 1 milk-jug.
  • 1 jug.
  • 3 tumblers.
  • 1 cup.
  • 2 saucers.
  • 5 knives and 5 forks.
  • 1 coffee-pot.
  • 1 tea-pot.
  • 6 tea-spoons.
  • 2 table-spoons.
  • 2 table-cloths.
  • 1 butter-dish.
  • 2 fruit-dishes.
  • 2 salt-cellars.

Galley.

  • 1 cooking-range.
  • 1 ladle.
  • 2 large forks.
  • 1 coffee-mill.
  • 1 tureen.
  • 6 saucepans.
  • 2 frying-pans.
  • 1 baking-pan.
  • 1 pair scales.
  • 7 wood-choppers.

Deck.

  • 1 steering-wheel.
  • 2 life-buoys.
  • 4 iron water-tanks.
  • 2 harness casks.
  • 1 capstan.
  • 5 gratings over hatches.
  • 1 wooden winch.
  • 1 deck-pump and hose.
  • 6 deck-buckets.
  • 3 hatch-awnings.

Chinese galley.

  • 1 lot cooking utensils.
  • 1 lot dippers.
  • 100 tin pans.
  • 230 tin cups.

Extra.

  • Several spare blocks.
  • 1 short piece deep-sea line.
  • 2¼ bolts canvas, new.
  • 4 sheets yellow metal.
  • 27 pairs shackles.
  • 2 top-gallant masts.
  • 2 royal-masts.
  • 1 spar.
  • 1 pair rigging-screws.
  • 3 stone tea-pots.
[Page 623]

Boats.

  • 1 life-boat.
  • 1 brass yoke.
  • 1 long-boat.

Stores.

  • About 200 sacks rice.
  • 2 boxes soda.
  • About 6 barrels bread.
  • 3 boxes sago.
  • 1 box vermicelli.
  • 50 boxes fish.
  • Part of barrel vinegar.
  • Part of barrel lime-juice.
  • Part of barrel bean-oil.
  • 2 barrels liquid.
  • 6 baskets sugar.
  • 23 boxes tea.
  • 10 dozen China hats.
  • 36 barrels salt meat.
  • 47 sacks beans and pease.
  • 7 boxes tobacco and cigars.
  • 7 baskets lime.
  • 147 baskets.
  • 4 buckets.
  • 6 tubs.
  • About 7 tubs ducks’ eggs.
  • 80 water-casks.
  • 5 ship’s scrapers.
  • 2 pairs tongs.
  • Stone ballast.
  • 9 ladders and steps.
  • 8 padlocks.
  • 1 log-line and reels.
  • 2 normans.
  • 1 lot Chinese clothes.
  • 1 harpoon.
  • 1 copper fresh-water pump.
  • A complete set of running gear, fore and aft.
[Inclosure 6.]

Mr. Garcia to Mr. De Long.

No. 6.]

Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your excellency’s note No. 56, dated 20th instant, addressed in duplicate to the gaimusho and to this legation, in which you inclose copies of published notice of sale and of inventory of the bark Maria Luz.

Giving you my sincere thanks for your note and its in closures, I beg your excellency to accept the renewed expressions of my high consideration and regard,

AURELIO GA y GARCIA.
[Inclosure 7.]

Mr. De Long to Soyeshima Tane-omi, Uyeno Kagenori, and Mr. Garcia.

No. 60.]

The undersigned has the honor to advise you that on the 1st instant the bark Maria Luz was sold at auction. The auctioneer, C. A. Fletcher, esq., yesterday morning returned to the undersigned an account of sale. (Inclosure No. 1.) The undersigned also received yesterday morning an account stated from Messrs. Walsh, Hall & Co., covering the expense of keeping the bark from the date when the undersigned took her into his possession until this date. (Inclosure No. 2.) The undersigned also forwards copy of a draft of a bill of sale of the bark, which the purchaser requests the undersigned to sign when making delivery of the vessel. (Inclosure No. 3.) The undersigned makes proffer of the document to your excellencies for your information and consideration, requesting your excellencies in reply to advise him, if he shall accept the money from Captain Fletcher as per his account of sales, to pay Messrs. Walsh, Hall & Co. the amount of their account rendered by them, sign the bill of sale, deliver the bark to the purchaser, and deposit the residue of the money in bank for the benefit of creditors of the vessel.

An early answer will oblige the undersigned, who begs to subscribe himself, your most obedient servant,

C. E. DE LONG.
[Page 624]
[Inclosure 8, or 1 in 7.]

Account sales bark Maria Luz, sold by order of his excellency C. E. De Long at public auction by the undersigned on account of the concerned.

The bark Maria Luz, with inventory $7,250 00

Charges.

Advertising in Japan Herald-Gazette, Nishni Shnigishi, month $60 00
Inventories, 100 10 00
Boat and coolie hire and provisions 4 00
Commission 217 50
291 50
Net proceeds secured by H. K. &S. Bank, payable August 11, 1873 6,958 50
C. A. FLETCHER & CO.,
Auctioneers.

E. & O. E.

[Page 625]
[Inclosure 9, or 2 in 7.]

The Permian bark Maria Luz in account-current with Walsh, Hall & Co.

Dr. Cr.
1872. 1873.
Nov. 12 To cash paid Mr. De Long; order favor Captain Trask $638 00 May 5 By Balance $1,807 48
Nov. 30 To cash paid portage bill and compradores, account for November 174 23
Dec. 30 To cash paid portage bill and compradores, account for December 254 36
1873.
Feb. 1 To cash paid portage bill and compradores, account for January 147 30
Mar. 18 To cash paid portage bill and compradores, account for February 148 94
Apr. 2 To cash paid portage bill and compradores, account for March 137 48
May 3 To cash paid portage bill and compradores, account for April 159 79
May 5 To commission disbursing 5% on $1,666.10 83 00
May 5 To interest to date @ 12% per annum 64 38
Total 1,807 48
1873
May 5 To balance brought down 1,807 48 By Balance 1,807 48
June 2 To cash paid portage bill and compradores, account for May 136 85 2,245 22
July 1 To cash paid portage bill and compradores, account for June 137 14
July 31 To cash paid portage bill and compradores, account for July 138 31
Aug. 6 To commission disbursing $412.30 @ 5% 20 62
Aug. 6 To interest on payment since May 5 to date @ 12% per annum 4 82
Aug. 6 To balance brought down 2,245 22 E. and O. E 2,245 22

WALSH, HALL & CO
.
[Page 626]
[Inclosure 10, or 3 in 7.]

Bill of sale.

Official number of ship, ——; date of registry, ——. General description of ship, ——Name of ship, Maria Luz; British or foreign built, British; original port of registry, Whitehaven; how propelled, sails; number of decks, two; number of masts, three; rigged, bark; stern, ——; build, Carrel; galleries, none; head, woman’s bust; framework, wood.

Measurements: Length from the fore part of stern, under the bowsprit, to the aft side of the head of the stern-post, 109 feet 2 inches; main breadth, outside of plank, 26 feet 8 inches; depth in hold from tonnage-deck, 18 feet 5 inches.

Tonnage: Tonnage on main tonnage-deck closed in, spaces above tonnage-deck if any space or spaces between decks, ——; poop, ——; round-house, ——; depth in hold from tonnage-deck to ceiling, ——. Total tons, 300.

I, Charles E. De Long, having been authorized by the following official note, to wit:

“To His Excellency C. E. De Long, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States in Japan:

Yedo, July 14, 1873.

Excellency: We have the honor to bring to your excellency’s notice the following extracts from the protocol of the agreement made on the 28th of June, 1873, by the undersigned, in representation of Japan and Peru for the submission to His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russias, of the difference between the two governments growing out of the case of the Maria Luz.

“Whereas the bark Maria Luz, abandoned by her captain, now lies in the harbor of Yokohama in charge of a guardian placed on board of her by the representative of Peru in Japan, the Hon. C. E. De Long, minister of the United States, and with the consent of the Japanese government; and whereas that guardianship has been and is now the cause of daily expense, the undersigned, equally desirous to bring to an end this state of things, have agreed that the ship shall be sold in public auction for the benefit of all parties concerned in the vessel. Both governments declining to receive the proceeds of the sale, such proceeds, after the payment of the expenses of keeping the ship since her abandonment, are to be deposited in a bank of Yokohama, and await such disposition as may be ordered by a competent court or by the arbitrator. We beg in consequence to say that it will be agreeable to the undersigned if your excellency, who, with the consent of the Japanese government, took charge of the vessel in October, 1872, acting for Peruvian interests, will trouble yourself, in view of the condition of the bark not having been modified since, and do us the service to take measures for selling the Maria Luz at such time and in such manner in conformity with the protocol as in your judgment will be likely to obtain the best price, and will dispose of the proceeds less expenses of sale according to the terms of the agreement, it being understood that this action on your part shall in no case be a cause of any responsibility to the Government of the United States or to yourself.

“We have the honor to assure your excellency of our highest and most distinguished onsideration.

“GAIMUSHIO-YU UYENO.

“AURELIO GA. y GARCIA,”

Envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Peru in Japan did, in pursuance of such request, give directions to C. A. Fletcher & Co. to sell the bark Maria Luz, with all her appurtenances, by public auction, and same having been purchased by L. Haber, esq., a German subject, do now, in consideration of the sum of Mexican dollars seven thousand two hundred and fifty paid to me by said L. Haber, the whole of the shares in the ship above particularly described.

Further, I covenant with the said L. Haber that I have power to transfer in manner aforesaid the said shares, and that the same are free from encumbrances.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this — day of August, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-three.

Executed by the above in presence of—

[Inclosure 11.]

Mr. Garcia to Mr. De Long.

No. 8.]

Excellency: I have had the honor to receive your excellency’s dispatch No. 60, dated the 7th instant, addressed in duplicate to the Gaimusho and this legation, advising us that the bark Maria Luz was sold at public auction on the 1st of August, and [Page 627] inclosing the auctioneer’s account of sale, Messrs. Walsh, Hall & Co.’s account of expenses of keeping the bark from November 12, 1872, to August 6, 1873, and a draft of bill of sale of the vessel.

Answering your excellency’s note, I beg leave to say, in the part that concerns me, that the acts above mentioned being in conformity with the protocol of June 25, 1873, I see no objection to your excellency’s proceeding, following your suggestions, if your excellency will please trouble yourself to sign the bill of sale referred to, accept the money from Captain Fletcher as per his account of sales, deliver the bark to the purchaser, pay Messrs. Walsh, Hall & Co. the amount of the account rendered by them, and deposit the residue of the money in a bank for the benefit of the creditors of the vessel. I do myself a duty to express to your excellency my sincere and grateful acknowledgments for your friendly action and for the service that in this matter you have kindly rendered.

Your excellency will please accept the renewed assurances of my highest and most distinguished consideration.

A. GA. y GARCIA.
[Inclosure 12.—Translation.]

Oyeno Kagenori to Mr. De Long.

Your Excellency: I have had the honor to receive your excellency’s dispatch No. 60, dated the 7th instant, addressed in duplicate, to the Gaimusho and Peruvian legation, advising us that the bark Maria Luz was sold at public auction on the 1st of August, inclosing the auctioneer’s account of sale, Messrs. Walsh, Hall & Co.’s account for expenses of keeping the bark from November 12, 1872, to August 6, 1873, and a draft of bill of sale of the vessel.

In answering your excellency’s note I beg to say, in the part that concerns me, that the acts above mentioned being in conformity with the protocol of June 25, 1873, I see no objection to your excellency’s proceeding, following out your suggestions, if you will please trouble yourself to sign the bill of sale referred to, accept the money from Captain Fletcher as per his account of sales, deliver the bark to the purchaser, pay Messrs. Walsh, Hall & Co. the amount of the account rendered by them, and deposit the residue of the money in a bank for the benefit of the creditors of the vessel. I take pleasure in expressing my sincere and grateful acknowledgments for your friendly action, and for the service that in this matter you have kindly rendered.

Your excellency will please accept the renewed assurances of my highest and most distinguished consideration.

OYENO KAGENORI.
[Inclosure 13, or 1 in 16.]

C. E. De Long, Dr., to the undersigned:

For 100 inventories $10 00
Cooly hire, discharging provisions 4 10
Advertising in Japan Herald, Gazette, Nishin Shingrshi, 2 weeks 60 00
Commission on $4,250 at 5% 217 50
Total 291 50

E. & O. E.
Rec’d payment,

C. A. FLETCHER & Co.,
Auctioneers.
[Inclosure 14, or 2 in 16.]

$2,245 22/100.

Received from C. E. De Long, United States minister, the sum of twenty-two hundred forty-five dollars twenty-two cents Mexican, being disbursements of Peruvian bark Maria Luz.

WALSH, HALL & CO.
[Page 628]
[Inclosure 15, or 3 in 16.]

[From the Hong-Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation.]

Dear Sir: I am in receipt of Messrs. Walsh, Hall & Co.’s check for $4,713.28, which I have placed in current deposit account in trust for the creditors of the Maria Luz.

Yours, faithfully,

J. G. HODGSON,
Account Manager.

C. E. De Long,
United States Minister.

[Inclosure 16.]

C. E. De Long to Soyeshima Tane-omi, Oyeno Kagenori, and Mr. Garcia.

No. 64.]

The undersigned has the honor to advise you that on yesterday he signed the bill of sale of the bark Maria Luz, and received from C. A. Fletcher & Co. the proceeds of her sale, less their account of sales, for which please find copy of their receipt, (marked inclosure No. 1,) paid Messrs. Walsh, Hall & Co. the account for expenses of vessel to date, for which please find copy of their receipt (marked inclosure No. 2,) and deposited the balance in the Hong-Kong and Shanghai Bank in trust for the creditors of the bark Maria Luz, as per certificate to that effect, marked inclosure No. 3.

Trusting that in this action he has followed your wishes, the undersigned has the honor to subscribe himself your obedient servant,

C. E. DE LONG.
[Inclosure 17.]

Mr. Garcia to Mr. De Long.

Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s dispatch No. 64, dated the 12th instant, in which your excellency advises me that on the 11th instant your excellency signed the bill of sale of the bark Maria Luz, received from Messrs. C. A. Fletcher & Co. the proceeds of her sale less their account of sales as per their receipt, paid Messrs. Walsh, Hall & Co. their account of expenses of vessel to date, according to their receipt, and deposited the balance of ($4,713.28) four thousand seven hundred and thirteen Mexican dollars and twenty-eight cents in the Hong-Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation of Yokohama, as per copy of certificate to that effect, which receipt and certificate have also come to hand.

As your action is entirely in accordance with the protocol of June 25, 1873, signed by the acting minister for foreign affairs of Japan and myself, and with our joint note to your excellency of July 14, 1873, I have only once more to thank your excellency most sincerely in my own name and in the name of my government for the trouple that you have been so kind as to give yourself in this matter, assuring your excellency of my earnest recognition of your services, and of my highest consideration and particular esteem.

AURELIO GA. y GARCIA.
[Page 629]
[Inclosure 18.—Translation.]

Soyeshima Tane-omi to Mr. De Long.

Your Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s dispatch No. 64, dated the 12th instant, in which you advise me that on the 11th you signed the bill of sale of the bark Maria Luz, received from Messrs. Fletcher & Co. the proceeds of her sale, less their account of sales as per their receipt; paid Messrs. Walsh, Hall & Co. their account of expenses of vessel to date according to their receipt, and deposited the balance of ($4,713.28) four thousand seven hundred and thirteen Mexican dollars and twenty-eight cents in the Hong-Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation of Yokohama, as per copy of certificate to that effect, which receipts and certificate have also come to hand.

As your action is entirely in accordance with the protocol of June 25, 1873, signed by the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Peru, and the acting minister for foreign affairs of Japan, and with their joint note to you of July 14, 1873, I have only once more to thank your excellency most sincerely in my own name and in the name of my government for the trouble that you have been so kind as to give yourself in this matter.

With respect and consideration,

SOYESHIMA TANE OMI.