Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 3, 1900

Mr. Hay to Mr. Choate.

Department of State,
Washington , February 26, 1900 .

No. 316.]

Sir: At the instance of the Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, I transmit herewith a copy of a letter from Commander Jeff. F. Moser, U. S. N., commanding U. S. F. C. S. Albatross, regarding courtesies extended to Prof. Alexander Agassiz and himself by Her Britannic Majesty’s deputy commissioner and vice-consul, Mr. R. Beckwith Leefe, at Suva Harbor, Fiji Islands.

In compliance with Mr. Bowers’s request, you are hereby instructed to convey through the proper channel to Mr. Leefe the cordial thanks of this Government for his courteous services to Commander Moser and Professor Agassiz.

I am, etc.,

John Hay.

[Inclosure.]

Mr. Bowers to Mr. Hay.

United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries,
Washington D. C. , February 16, 1900 .

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a letter from Commander Jeff. F. Moser, U. S. N., commanding U. S. F. C. S. Albatross, regarding courtesies extended to Prof. Alexander Agassiz and himself by Her Britannic Majesty’s deputy commissioner and vice-consul, Mr. R. Beckwith Leefe, at Suva Harbor, Fiji Islands. This Commission would be pleased to have the service acknowledged to the British Government if it is deemed proper by the Department of State.

Very respectfully,

Geo. M. Bowers, Commissioner.

[Subinclosure.]

Commander Moser to Mr. Bowers.

U. S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, Steamer Albatross,
Suva Harbor Fiji Islands , December 10, 1899 .

Sir: During our brief visit to Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, where we have no diplomatic or consular representative, Her Britannic Majesty’s deputy commissioner and vice consul, Mr. R. Beckwith Leefe, placed his services at our disposition, and through him an audience was arranged and held with King George Turbou II. If you deem it proper the Department of State might be notified and the service acknowledged to the British Government.

The audience was formed of three officers, Mr. Woodworth, who accompanied Mr. Agassiz, and myself. We were received by the King and his ministers, and after some questions and explanations as to the nature of our work and expressions of good will we retired.

Very respectfully,

Jeff. F. Moser,
Commander United States Navy, Commanding.