Mr. Sherman to Mr. Patenôtre.

No. 103.]

Excellency: I have the honor, in connection with my note of the 4th instant, to say that the Department is advised that about 1,000 feet of the new French cable was laid from the “hut” at Cape Cod yesterday afternoon.

Before taking any further action in the matter, I request that you will promptly instruct the proper authorities of the French Telegraph Company, in case the Department’s information should be correct, to immediately desist from its work, pending the necessary authorization either of the President or of Congress.

Accept, etc.,

John Sherman.