Mr. White to Mr. Hay.

No. 748.]

Sir: Referring to your instruction No. 736, of October 1 last, I have the honor to inform you that I lost no time upon its receipt in requesting the foreign office to furnish me with such facts as they might be able to obtain relative to the case of Mr. Patrick Lennon, in order that I might communicate them to you.

I have just received a note from Lord Lansdowne in reply, inclosing a copy, which I transmit herewith, of the oath taken by Mr. Lennon on December 1, 1899, as a burgher of the South African Republic, which has been forwarded by the general officer commanding in chief in South Africa.

I have, etc.,

Henry White.
[Inclosure.]

Copy of oath taken by Mr. Lennon.

I, Patrick Lennon, a native of county Armagh, Ireland, desiring to become a citizen of the South African Republic, with full right of suffrage, by virtue of the resolution of the noble and worthy first popular council (Volksraad), article 1442, bearing date of September 29, 1899, do hereby swear (or solemnly declare that the taking of an oath is not allowable according to my religious belief, and do solemnly promise) in all sincerity that I will be true to this State, will respect and uphold its independence, will obey the constitution and other laws and the lawful authorities of the country, and that I will conduct myself in all respects as becomes a loyal citizen of the State. So help me God Almighty; or (this I solemnly believe).

Patrick Lennon.

T. M. Menton, V. R.