Mr. Hay to Mr. Day.

No. 400.]

Sir: Referring to your telegraphic instruction of the 12th instant, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, and to previous correspondence relative to the fate of Mr. and Mrs. L. A. McGrew, I have the honor to inform you that a special telegram in this regard was sent from the colonial office on that day to the governor of Sierra Leone to which a reply was received on the following day stating that Mr. and Mrs. McGrew were said to be alive but detained by the chief of Taima, the sense of which was conveyed to you in my cablegram of the 17th instant, a copy of which is also herewith inclosed.

A further communication from the colonial office on the above subject was received this morning, conveying the intelligence that Taima is about 10 miles to the interior from Kwabu and that Colonel Wood-gate left Freetown on the 12th instant to push on a column to the relief of Kwabu. A copy of my cablegram to you of to-day’s date to this effect is also inclosed herewith.

I have, etc.,

John Hay.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 400—Telegram.]

Mr. Hay to Mr. Day.

Informed by colonial office McGrews said to be alive, but detained by chief of Taima or Kiama.

Hay.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 400—Telegram.]

Mr. Hay to Mr. Day.

Re McGrews. Further informed by colonial office, Taima, 10 miles interior from Kwabu. Relief column from Freetown sent thither 12th instant.

Hay.