Office of the Historian
No. 499.

Mr. Bayard to Mr. Taft.

Department of State,
Washington, March 30, 1885.
No. 15.]

Sir: I inclose a copy of the sundry civil act, approved March 3, 1885, and, calling your attention to the marked clause thereof, “to enable the President to bestow testimonials as recommended in his message, &c., upon those officers and subjects of the Russian Government who extended aid to the survivors of the Jeannette Arctic exploring expedition, &c.,” have to say that I have addressed the Secretary of the Navy in the matter, with the hope that early action may be taken to place the Russian benefactors of the survivors of that expedition in possession of the testimonials which this Government will provide. Any action [Page 658] on the part of your legation which may facilitate the delivery of these articles when brought to Russia by the agent of the United States, appointed or detailed for that purpose, will be appreciated.

I am, &c.,

T. F. BAYARD.
[Inclosure in No. 15.—Extract.]

sundry civil act, approved march 3, 1885.

[March 3, 1885]

* * * * * * *

To enable the President to bestow testimonials, as recommended in his message of January 27, 1885, upon those officers and subjects of the Russian Government who extended aid and comfort to the survivors of the Jeannette Arctic exploring expedition and assistance to the parties dispatched by the Government of the United States to relieve and succor the said survivors, and to convey to the Government and people of Russia an expression of the high appreciation in which the Government and people of the United States hold the humane services so rendered, the sum of $8,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, the same to be immediately available.