Chandler to Frelinghuysen, February 25, 1885

Mr. Chandler to Mr. Frelinghuysen.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 11th instant, inclosing a copy of a dispatch from Mr. Henry C. Hall, United States minister to the Central American States, concerning the reported destitution among certain American citizens at Livingston, and requesting that a vessel of war may be sent to that port to investigate the reports made by the consular agent there, and to take to New Orleans, from whence they came, such of the American citizens as are found to be really destitute and desire to return.

In reply, I beg to inform you that a copy of your letter, with inclosure from Mr. Hall, has this day been sent Rear-Admiral Jouett, commanding the United States naval force on the North Atlantic Station, authorizing him to send a vessel of his command to Livingston with instructions to her commanding officer to confer with the consular agent at that place, and after ascertaining the condition of affairs among the destitute Americans, to take such steps for their relief, and to supply them with suck food, clothing, and medical stores as he may deem necessary, and to transport suck to New Orleans as he can accommodate on board and as may desire to return.

I am, &c.,