Mr. Breckinridge to Mr. Olney.

No. 494.]

Sir: Referring to my No. 375, of August 27, concerning the application for pardon for the five Americans—Frank Peterson (Hill), James Maloney, Steve Brennan, R. Sheehy, and Edward Howe—sentenced for illegal sealing on Robben Island, I now have the honor to inclose translation of a note2 from Count Lamsdorff, of the 14/26 instant, upon the subject.

While pardon was refused, yet I am gratified to report that under the operation of the imperial manifest of May 14/26, 1896, their sentence expired February 6/January 25 of this year. The expiration was somewhat earlier than information previously given me, and reported, led me to expect.

Count Lamsdorff’s note has been acknowledged.

I have, etc.,

Clifton R. Breckinridge.
  1. Not inclosed.