No. 361.
Mr. Blaine to Sir Edward
Thornton.
Washington, May 13, 1881.
Sir: It is quite desirable, for some reasons not necessary to explain, that this Department bring to a prompt and definite settlement the fortune Bay affair.
I consider that in our last conversation we had, under authority of the reference made to us by both governments, reached a conclusion satisfactory to both parties, and my note of the 6th instant was the record on the part of United States Government of its acceptance of that conclusion. As the subject was committed to our decision, no further reference can now be necessary, and it would be agreeable to me if you would join me at your earliest convenience in closing the transaction.
It is a source of great satisfaction to me that the discussion has been conducted in so amicable a spirit and reached so satisfactory a result.
I have, &c.,