Mr. Hay to Mr. Sherman.

No. 212.]

Sir: Referring to your instruction No. 352 of the 11th ultimo, I have the honor to inclose herewith copies of correspondence with the foreign office relative to the services rendered to American citizens in Persia by Mr. Wood, Her Majesty’s consul at Tabriz.

I have, etc.,

John Hay.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 212.]

Mr. Hay to the Marquis of Salisbury.

My Lord: I have the honor to transmit herewith to your lordship the copy of a petition which has been received by the American minister at Teheran from citizens of the United States resident at Tabriz and Urumia, containing an expression of their appreciation of the numerous services rendered to them both in the protection of their lives and property and otherwise by Her Majesty’s consul-general at Tabriz, Mr. Cecil Wood, and suggesting that official acknowledgment thereof be made to Her Majesty’s Government.

The minister, in commending this document to the favorable consideration of the Secretary of State, has furthermore informed him that the American legation at Teheran has also been frequently indebted to the tact and courtesy of Mr. Wood for the prompt adjustment in its behalf without reference to the minister of many questions which, had they been so referred, would only have been settled after much loss of time and protracted correspondence.

I have the honor, therefore, to acquaint your lordship that I have received instructions from my Government to express its high appreciation [Page 358] to Her Majesty’s Government of the numerous and valuable services rendered with so much tact and courtesy during the past five years to American citizens resident in Persia by Mr. Cecil Wood, Her Majesty’s consul-general at Tabriz, and its sincere thanks for the same.

I have, etc.,

John Hay.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 212.]

The Marquis of Salisbury to Mr. Hay.

Your Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s note of December 26th last expressing on behalf of the United States Government their high appreciation of the numerous and valuable services rendered by Mr. Wood, Her Majesty’s consul at Tabriz, to American citizens resident in Persia during the last five years, and of the tact and courtesy with which he has discharged his duties in relation to the American legation at Teheran.

I am much gratified at this testimony on the part of your excellency’s Government to Mr. Wood’s zeal and ability, and I have not failed to acquaint him with the contents of your excellency’s note.

I have, etc.,

Salisbury.