Mr. Buck to Mr.
Hay.
United
States Legation,
Tokyo,
Japan, November 26,
1901.
Sir: I have the honor to report that on the
16th instant, on receipt of a telegram from Capt. John Baxter, United
States quartermaster at Nagasaki, that the United States transport Hancock was aground near Moji, in the Shimonoseki
Strait, and requesting that I obtain immediate assistance of a Japanese
warship from Kure, if possible, I at once communicated with the navy
department, which promptly dispatched a ship equipped with the necessary
appliances for relieving the vessel.
Receiving a telegram from Quartermaster Baxter on the 17th instant
announcing the floating of the Hancock uninjured,
and expressing his great appreciation of the prompt action of the navy
department in sending a ship to her aid (copy of telegram herewith), I
addressed through the minister for foreign affairs a note of thanks to
the minister of the navy (copy herewith).
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.—Telegram.]
Captain Baxter
to Mr. Buck.
Nagasaki, November 17,
1901.
Advised that Japanese admiralty sent two warships with salvage
appliances to help Hancock near Moji. Hancock floated high tide 16th uninjured, and
sailed same day to relieve Warren at Kobe.
Action Japanese admiralty greatly appreciated. This office will
promptly pay admiralty’s bill of expense.
[Inclosure 2.]
Mr. Buck to Mr.
Komura Jutaro.
United States Legation,
Tokyo, November 20,
1901.
Mr. Minister: I have the honor to express,
through your excellency, to his excellency the minister of the navy
my high appreciation and thanks for his great kindness in so
promptly dispatching two vessels with salvage appliances to the
assistance of the United States transport Hancock, aground near Moji a few days ago.
In pursuance of a telegram received from the United States
quartermaster at Nagasaki, I have the honor to express his grateful
acknowledgments also, and to say for him that his office will
promptly pay the bill of expenses for the two vessels when
known.
I avail, etc.,
