The Acting Secretary of State to the French Ambassador.

No. 296.]

Excellency: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 1st instant, and to express the gratification and high appreciation felt by this Government at the expedition of three cruisers to represent the French Government at the ceremonies attending the removal of the remains of John Paul Jones.

I have taken pleasure in advising the Secretary of the Navy of your Government’s courteous action, and have informed him that the Marseillaise, the Condé, and L’Amiral Aube will reach Annapolis on the 20th instant.

Accept, etc.,

Robert Bacon.