Mr. Wharton to Mr. Patenôtre.

Sir: Referring to your note of the 26th of January last, I have the honor to inform you that in view of the announcement conveyed by your note and the previous one of Mr. Desprez, of the assumption by France of a protectorate over African territory heretofore and for many years recognized as belonging to the Republic of Liberia, an instruction on the subject has been sent to the American minister at Paris.

Accept, etc.,

William F. Wharton,
Acting Secretary.