Mr. Adee to Sir Julian Pauncefote,
Washington, June 30, 1893.
My Dear Sir Julian: Your personal note of the 27th instant reached the Department during the temporary absence of the Secretary from the city. It relates to the number of war vessels this Government is prepared to send to Samoa.
After consultation with the Secretary of the Navy, I find that it is practicable at the present time to order but one ship to proceed to Samoan waters. She is, however, under immediate sailing orders, is heavily manned, and can efficiently aid the proposed demonstration against Mataafa.
With his note of the 19th instant Mr. Gresham inclosed to you copies of the memoranda of the German minister and of himself, which showed that this Government would at once dispatch a naval vessel, and if need were an additional one, to Samoa.
I am clearly of opinion that with the two war vessels of Germany already there, the one or more Her Majesty’s Government finds it practicable to dispatch thither, and the one this Government has directed to proceed at once to those islands, an ample force can be landed to effect a stable situation there.
In this connection I confirm Mr. Quincy’s telegram to you of to-day’s date upon this subject, as follows:
“Your personal note to Secretary Gresham of 27th received. But one vessel now available, and under immediate sailing orders. She is heavily manned and can efficiently aid proposed demonstration.”
Very truly yours, etc.,