No. 327.
Mr. Halderman to Mr. Frelinghuysen.

[Extract.]
No. 114.

Sir: His Majesty the King of Siam, in consideration of the American Government’s warm friendship, and of your representative’s “faithful observance of treaty relations,” has been pleased to present to the United States the house, out-buildings, and lease-hold estate in grounds now occupied by this legation.

Particulars are set forth in accompanying copy of dispatch this day received from His Royal Highness Prince Devawongsa, His Majesty’s secretary.

I have communicated to His Majesty my grateful acknowledgments and high appreciation of the sentiment that inspired the gift, and my purpose to report same, without delay, to the President and Secretary of State of the United States.

The house is now occupied by the undersigned and is the same upon which I had obtained a lease for sixteen years. I have assigned that contract of lease without consideration or expense to my Government.

The improvements upon the compound have cost probably $10,000 or more. The main building, 84 by 58 feet, is of wood, brick, and cement, two stories high, with attap roof, fifteen rooms, and wide verandahs. It will be noted that a ground rent of $84 annually is expected to be paid.

The property is advantageously situated between the British agency and consulate-general and the Siamese customs house, in the midst of the business part of the city of Bangkok, with a river frontage of 166 feet, extending back 149 feet.

* * * * * * *

I beg to express the great personal satisfaction I have in making this communication.

I have, &c.,

JOHN A. HALDERMAN.
[Inclosure in No. 114.]

Prince Devawongsa to Mr. Halderman.

Monsieur le Ministre: In consideration of the strong sentiments of friendship which you and your Governnent have held toward His Majesty’s Government, and in consideration of your faithful observance of treaty relations, I have the honor to inform you that my gracious sovereign has been pleased to buy the house now occupied by your excellency as the United States Legation, and to present it to the United States Government as a token of His Majesty’s strong attachment of friendship for the United States of America. His Majesty trusts that it will be acceptable to your Government. I am commended, therefore, to request that your excellency, as the representative of your Government, take, hold, and possess in perpetuity the said house, grounds, and all the buildings and fences in the compound in front of Wat Muang Khei.

I have to add that the yearly contribution of one hundred and forty ticals ($84) to the said Monastery or Wat will not, perhaps, be objected to by your Government, as [Page 461] it has been the custom, of all former owners of this place to contribute this charity to that church, and, knowing the good free will of United States citizens, I am sure you will not wish to violate the reasonable customs of the locality. I venture to hope that your excellency will not find it burdensome to comply with this custom; and so, the entire ownership of this property hereby passes to your excellency’s Government.

I avail myself, &c.,

DEVAWONGSA VAROPRAKAR.