Mr. Porter to Mr. Hay.

No. 654.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith the copy of a communication which I have just received from the “Société Générate de Transports Maritimes á Vapeur,” concerning the towing of the disabled French steamship Bretagne into the port of Bahia by the United States cruiser Chicago.

You will observe that the company is extremely grateful for this service rendered by the Chicago, and desire me especially to express to the Government in Washington and to Admiral Schley their thanks and appreciation.

I have, etc.,

Horace Porter.
[Inclosure.]

Mr. Bergasse to Mr. Porter.

Mr. Ambassador: We have the honor to inform you that the steam packet Bretagne, belonging to our company, left Marseilles the 27th of February last, having on board 350 passengers and 1,000 cubic meters of merchandise for Rio Janeiro and Santos.

We have received a telegram from our agents at Bahia informing us that on the 17th instant, at about 300 miles from this latter port, our ship became disabled in consequence of the breaking of a crank-shaft, and that while the captain was attempting to replace the broken portion at sea he was met by the American cruiser Chicago, which was good enough to tow him into Bahia without being willing to accept the least indemnity.

It would be impossible for us to be more touched than we are by this mark of kindly disinterestedness which was shown to our company by Admiral Schley, and we beg to express to you without any delay our entire gratitude in begging that you will be kind enough to convey to the Government of the Republic of the United States and to Admiral Schley our very live appreciation of an act of generous assistance, which is moreover so much in keeping with the noble traditions of the United States Navy.

Accept, etc.,

Bergasse.

The president of the board of directors.