Mr. Blaine to Mr. Swift.

No. 66.]

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your No. 106 of the 18th ultimo, the section of the sacred rope which accompanied the same, and the other inclosures which you mention. They have been sent to the Smithsonian Institution, with a copy of your dispatch.

You will convey to the Buddhist priests at Kioto, the donors of this greatly prized gift, and to Mr. V. M. Law, the gentleman through whose courtesy the gift was made possible, the sincere thanks of the Government.

I am, etc.,

James G. Blaine.