Mr. Porter to Mr.
Hay.
Embassy
of the United States,
Paris, April 3,
1900.
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.,
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Bergasse to
Mr. Porter.
Marseilles, March 29,
1900.
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.,
The president of the board of directors.