No. 327.
Mr. Halderman to Mr. Frelinghuysen.
Bangkok, Siam, September 3, 1884. (Received October 20.)
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.
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I beg to express the great personal satisfaction I have in making this communication.
I have, &c.,