Mr. Kimberly to Mr. Blaine .

No. 246.]

Sir: Referring to my No. 243, of January 31, I have the honor to report that to-day Señor Prado, acting minister of foreign relations, in Señor Don F. Anguiano’s absence, called at this legation, and, calling my attention to the instructions to Capt. Johnston, of Pacific Mail steamship City of New York, sent to him from me, asked that the word “expiation “be stricken out and the word “explanation” substituted. After a polite discussion I refused to comply with his request, stating that the word “expiation” conveyed the precise meaning and literal sense intended by me, and that it could not be changed without authority from my Government.

I have, etc.,

Samuel Kimberly,
Chargé d’Affaires ad int.