No. 262.
Mr. Moran
to Mr. Evarts.
Legation of
the United States,
Lisbon, May 29, 1877.
(Received June 18.)
No. 153.]
Sir: I had the honor on the 26th instant to receive
your No. 89, and -I immediately addressed to the Marquis d’Avila a letter,
informing his [Page 462] excellency of the
intention of the Navy Department to send a vessel to Lisbon, not later than
November next, to begin observations touching the telegraphic longitudes of
South America; and at the same time, in compliance with your instructions,
conveyed to him the thanks of the Navy Department for the courteous co
operation of the Portuguese Government in this useful work.
I inclose a copy of the letter in question, and am, sir, &c.,
[Inclosure.]
Legation of the United States,
Lisbon, May 26,
1877.
Monsieur le Ministre: I had the honor to
address a letter to your excellency’s predecessor, Mr. Corvo, on the
19th of December last, requesting the co-operation of His Most Faithful
Majesty’s government with the United States Navy Department in
determining telegraphically from Paris the longitudes of both coasts of
South America.
I received from Mr. Corvo a most cordial reply, dated 10th of January
ultimo, offering co-operation, and stating that orders had been given to
that effect. I further received from your excellency a note, dated the
8th of last March, informing me that instructions had already been given
to the proper officers in the Azores, Madeira, and continental Portugal
to render assistance to the United States Navy in this useful work.
I communicated both these letters to my government, and I have now the
honor, in compliance with their instructions, to offer the sincere
thanks of the Navy Department of the United States for the courteous
assent of the Portuguese Government to their proposals.
I am desired, however, to add that the Secretary of the Navy does not
propose to commence taking observations until next November, when he
will send a vessel to Lisbon for that purpose.
I avail myself of this opportunity of renewing to your excellency the
assurances of my highest consideration.
His Excellency the Marquis d’Avila e de
Bolama,
Minister and Secretary of
State for Foreign Affairs.
