The Russian Ambassador to the Acting Secretary of State.

[Translation.]

Sir: Commander Berlinsky solicited and obtained from the Imperial Government, on account of his health, a leave of four months with orders to transfer the command of the transport Lena to the officer following him in rank.

In view of the present situation of the transport Lena, I have the honor to bring the foregoing to the knowledge of the Federal Government, with the request that it inform me whether it has any objection to Commander Berlinski’s taking advantage of the leave granted him in view of the critical state of his health.

Please accept, etc.,

Count Cassini.