Mr. Wilson to Mr. Hay .

No. 105.]

Sir. I have the honor to confirm my telegram of June 12, 1899, as follows:

Newark driven by terrific gales into Port Low, Guaytecas Island, latitude 42° 45ʹ. Coal supply exhausted, but is believed both vessel and crew perfectly safe and no damage done. Chilean Government has just dispatched relief ships with coal and supplies. No telegraphic communications with the island.

Learning from the press reports that the Government was possibly concerned about the fate of the Newark, I took steps to obtain information as to the whereabouts of the cruiser, and upon the date of my telegram I received the first information, through unofficial sources. I immediately communicated to you by telegraph such information as I was able to obtain. As reported in my telegram, the Government of Chile promptly and cheerfully accorded the Newark every facility for the continuation of her voyage. I received no official communication from the Chilean Government relative to the action which it had taken until this date, when I received a note from the minister of marine, Señor Don Carlos Concha (copy and translation of which I inclose). Although somewhat in violation of precedent, I have thought it best to reply directly to the note of the minister, expressing my appreciation, as representative of the Government of the United States, of the services rendered. I inclose herewith a copy of the note referred to. I am just informed that the Newark has arrived in Valparaiso Harbor and is apparently in condition to proceed upon her voyage.

I have, etc.,

Henry L. Wilson.
[Inclosure 1.—Translation.]

Mr. Concha to Mr. Wilson .

Distinguished Sir: The last telegrams received at this ministry announce that the American cruiser Newark anchored in the harbor of Ancud, on the 22d of the present month, and that it would sail in the direction of Valparaiso after taking on the necessary coal supplies. I have extreme pleasure in announcing the arrival of the ship to which [Page 126] I refer, after the difficulties which it has experienced during a voyage, the issue of which has given great concern to the American Government.

I am very happy also to indicate to you that the naval authorities of Chile have extended to the American cruiser every necessary aid, and have given the facilities required for the continuation of the voyage with the full approbation of the Government.

Saluting you attentively,

Carlos Concha.
[Inclosure 2.]

Mr. Wilson to Mr. Concha .

Mr. Minister: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed note of this date, informing me of the arrival of the American cruiser Newark in the harbor of Ancud, and that the Government of Chile, through your department, has cheerfully and promptly accorded to her all the facilities necessary for the continuation of the voyage, which she is making under orders from the Navy Department of the United States. From unofficial sources I learned some time ago of the misadventure which this cruiser had met with, and also of the prompt and generous action taken by your department. By telegram I at once communicated the news of the safety of the ship and the service rendered by your department to the Government of the United States. I have not yet received an official reply to my telegram, but understand that the news communicated not only relieved the great anxiety prevalent in official circles of the Navy Department, but that the action of your Government in affording relief was received with warm appreciation and gratitude. In due season I shall have the pleasure of communicating the official thanks of the Government of the United States to the Government of Chile. In the meantime, Mr. Minister, I beg that you will receive for your department my sincere thanks as the representative of the Government of the United States in Chile, with which I have, etc.,

Henry L. Wilson.