Mr. Baker to Mr. Bayard.
Caracas, April 22, 1885. (Received May 7.)
Sir: With reference to your dispatch numbered 51, of date 24th ultimo, relative to the case of the American schooner Lanie Cobb, and instructing me to investigate the case and report whether, in my opinion, the facts are such as to warrant a demand by our Government against that of Yenezuela for damages in favor of the master of the Lanie Cobb, I write to make the preliminary statement that I have given the matter of your said instruction my promptest practicable attention, and havé addressed a dispatch to Mr. Bird, United States consul at La Guayra, of this date (of which I inclose a copy herewith), requesting him to transmit to this legation as promptly as practicable all the information his consulate may be in possession of relative to the case, thus seeking the data essential to the formation of a proper opinion in the case.
I am, &c.,