Mr. Bayard to Mr. Merrill.

No. 55.]

Sir: I have forwarded a copy of your dispatch No. 132 of July 15, 1887, touching the presence of naval vessels in Hawaiian waters, to the Secretary of the Navy, calling his attention to your recommendation that an American man-of-war be permitted to remain in that vicinity for several months, at least.

I am, etc.,

T. F. Bayard.