Sir Julian Pauncefote to Mr. Sherman.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I communicated to my Government the contents of your note No. 643, of the 16th instant, stating that orders would be issued to the authorities on the Pribilof Islands to extend to Professor Thompson the same facilities as were granted to him during his visit last year.

I am now informed by Lord Salisbury that it is proposed that Mr. Macoun, who accompanied Professor Thompson last year, should again act under his direction and with his assistance.

I venture, therefore, to ask you to be good enough to extend to Mr. Macoun the same facilities as have kindly been accorded to Professor Thompson, in order that Mr. Macoun may be enabled to commence his investigations prior to Professor Thompson’s arrival on the islands.

Lord Salisbury further informs me that Professor Thompson proposes to visit the Russian islands first. He hopes to reach Yokohama on about the 30th proximo and to proceed to the Russian islands, where he will remain until about the end of July.

I am directed by Lord Salisbury to inform you, in communicating the above intelligence, that if Dr. Jordan wishes to join Professor Thompson a passage from Yokohama to the Russian islands could be provided for him on board one of Her Majesty’s ships.

I have, etc.,

Julian Pauncefote.