Mr. Blaine to Mr. Stevens.

No. 12.]

Sir: I have received your No. 11 of the 14th ultimo, confirmatory of the statements of previous dispatches touching the importance of retaining one or more of our naval vessels in Hawaiian waters until after the elections of February next.

You were informed by instruction, No. 11 of the 16th ultimo, of the action of the Secretary of the Navy in this regard.

You can exhibit to the naval officers concerned copies of the dispatches referred to, and will in general keep such officers advised of any political events of importance.

I am, etc.,

James G. Blaine.