Mr. Choate to Mr. Hay.

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]

(Mr. Choate, referring to his dispatch No. 861, of May 17, reports that a telegram from the governor of the Windward Islands to the colonial secretary has been communicated to him, as follows:

All immediate wants are now supplied. Have ordered timber for houses through ambassador at Washington and Governor-General of Canada, which will cost £5,000. Please instruct those officers to cooperate and arrange for payment. Question of resettlement of the people is under my consideration. One new township has been settled up to the present time. Engaged in completing arrangements for relief of wounded and other sufferers.

Mr. Choate is informed that as the Canadian government have made a substantial grant toward the relief of distress in St. Vincent, to be supplied either in money or in kind, the bulk of the timber which is required will probably be provided by and shipped from Canada. Regarding, however, such part of the order as it may be desired to execute in the United States, the British Government feels confident, and Lord Pauncefote has been so informed, that the United States Government will give ready facilities for purchasing timber and for expediting its shipment in accordance with the offer conveyed in the Department’s telegram of May 12.)