Mr. Foster to Baron Fava.
Washington, August 10, 1892.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your personal memorandum of the 30th ultimo, stating that a squadron of the Italian navy, together with men-of-war from other countries, will be present in the harbor of Genoa, on the visit of the King and Queen of Italy to the Columbian Exposition at that city, and expressing the hope that one or more vessels of the Navy of the United States may be present on that occasion.
It gives me pleasure to inform you that the Secretary of the Navy, to whom a copy of your memorandum was promptly communicated, has issued instructions to Rear-Admiral Benham, commanding the South Atlantic Station, directing him to proceed with his flagship, the Newark, and the Bennington, now at Cadiz, Spain, to the Columbian Exposition at Genoa to participate in the celebration.
In this connection, I also acknowledge receipt of your personal note of the 6th instant, saying that their majesties will arrive at Genoa the 7th or 8th of September next.
I have duly notified the Secretary of the Navy of the dates as above.
Accept, etc.,