Benjamin Moran to Hamilton Fish, November 23, 1872

No. 152. Mr. Moran to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I had a visit on the 8th instant from General J. O. Kirkham, an Englishman calling himself “Special envoy of His Majesty Yourness, Emperor of Abyssinia,” who requested me to transmit a sealed letter from him to the President, which he had written in his official character. I explained to him that such a letter from the Emperor himself would be proper, but that any communication he had to make as representative of that sovereign should be addressed to you. He accordingly sent me on the 16th instant the letter which I have now the honor to enclose herewith.

I have since learned informally from Lord Granville that General Kirkham presented himself some time ago at the foreign office as special envoy from Abyssinia, but, being an Englishman, was not received in that capacity. He bore a sealed autograph letter from the Emperor to the Queen, which was accepted from him as special bearer thereof, and delivered to Her Majesty, but not before a copy had been placed in Lord Granville’s hands, His lordship did not, therefore, receive General Kirkham officially $ but as Her Majesty’s government are disposed to cultivate friendly relations with Abyssinia he was accepted in the capacity of a bearer of a special communication to the Queen from the Emperor Yourness, with the understanding that the foreign office could hold no official relations with him. This course is not, however, intended to cast discredit on him or his mission, but is in accordance with the practice of Her Majesty’s government not to receive any of her subjects as diplomatic representatives of foreign powers, The case of Sir John Bowning is in point, a full report of which will be found in Mr. Motley’s No. 514, addressed to you on the 10th of November, 1870.

I understand that General Kirkham has addressed a similar letter to the one inclosed to M. de Eemusat for M. Thiers, which was forwarded to Paris through the French embassy in London, and formally acknowledged.

I do not learn that General Kirkham has a letter of credence from the Emperor of Abyssinia, but believe from his reception at the French embassy that he is provided with one.

Herewith I send copies of a letter addressed to me by General Kirkham, and my reply.

I am, &c.,