Mr. Blaine to Mr. Hirsch.

No. 61.]

Sir: I have received your No. 82 of the 6th ultimo and must cordially approve your interview of the 5th with the Grand Vizier, relative to the case of Messrs. Knapp and Raynolds, the American citizens and missionaries, the assault on whom by Moussa Bey, in Asia Minor, in 1883, has been the subject of much correspondence with the Porte.

[Page 745]

In pressing its complaint against Moussa Bey on the evidence furnished, this Government is actuated solely by the same desire which the Grand Vizier so frankly and honorably expresses, namely, to see exact and impartial justice done and due reparation made for the grievous wrongs inflicted on these American citizens.

I am, etc.,

James G. Blaine.