Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 9, 1891

Mr. Wharton to Mr. Egan.

Department of State,
Washington, May 28, 1891.

No. 106.]

Sir: I have to inclose, for your information, copy of a letter from Mr. D. H. B. Davis, of Lima, Peru, stating that it is rumored that you have advised the Government of Chile to grant letters of marque to privateers as a war measure.

I am, etc.,

William F. Wharton,
Acting Secretary.

[Inclosure in No. 106.]

Mr. Davis to Mr. Blaine.

Lima, April 27, 1891.

Dear Sir: It is reported here that our minister to Chile, Mr. Patrick Egan, is advising the Chilean Government to grant letters of marque to privateers as a war measure. This rumor comes from high and respectable authority (English). It seems impossible for us Americans to believe this can be true, especially when we know how careful and circumspect Mr. Egan has acted all through his stay in Chile, commanding the respect of enemies and friends alike.

It would be most satisfactory to be able on good authority to refute this serious rumor.

I am, dear sir,

D. H. B. Davis,
Citizen of the United States.