Mr. Woodford to Mr. Sherman.

No. 132.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram in cipher, which I translate as follows:

Washington, January 28, 1898.

Woodford, Minister, Madrid:

This Government appreciates the courtesy intended in the visit of Spanish ships to United States ports.

Sherman.

I have officially informed the Spanish minister of foreign affairs of the receipt of the above telegram, and have the honor to be,

Very respectfully, yours,

Stewart L. Woodford.