No. 423.
Mr. Bingham to Mr. Evarts.
Tokei, October 27, 1879. (Received November 26.)
Sir: I beg leave to acquaint you that during the stay of the Vega in Japan, after making the northeast passage, and shortly before the departure thereof, some ten days ago, I had the honor to entertain at my table the learned and distinguished Professor Kordenskjöld, chief of the Swedish expedition, to whom the world is indebted for the successful navigation of the northeast passage, and also with him Capt. Louis Palander, who commanded the Vega, and His Excellency Chevalier de Stoetwegen, the diplomatic representative of Sweden at this court.
I learned, among other things, from the professor, that the Lena River, which flows out from Central Siberia, can easily be reached from the Pacific by experienced sailors, and that thereby trade may be opened and prosecuted with the interior of Siberia from our shores.
I have, &c.,