Mr. Hay to Mr. McCormick.

No. 40.]

Sir: Referring to your telegram of the 6th ultimo, and to your confirmatory dispatch of the following day’s date, reporting the intention of the Austro-Hungarian Government to raise its mission at Washington to the rank of an embassy, you are instructed to express to the minister of foreign affairs the gratification with which the President has heard of this new proof of the Emperor’s friendly disposition toward the United States, and to say that in due time it will give him pleasure to reciprocate by appointing, in token of his high regard and esteem for the person of the Emperor and of his good wishes for the people of Austro-Hungary, as ambassador to Vienna a gentleman who he is sure will be agreeable to His Majesty.

I am, etc.,

John Hay.