Copy of telegram handed in at the Queenstown office at 12.57 p.m., received at the Gresham House branch office, London, at 2.29 p.m., from E. P. Brooks, United States consul, April 21, 1880., undated

Copy of telegram handed in at the Queenstown office at 12.57 p.m., received at the Gresham House branch office, London, at 2.29 p.m., from E. P. Brooks, United States consul, April 21, 1880.

To the Consul-General of the United States, London:

Custom-house officers were placed on board Constellation by order customs receiver. She is treated by customs as if an ordinary merchant vessel. Captain Potter protested and complained to the admiral, who agreed with him that the proceeding was contrary to what should be expected under the circumstances.

At my request the officers left yesterday, but have since returned, and now are on board.

Captain Potter requests me to advise you of this, and requests you will obtain an order from the customs for their removal. The customs people were distinctly told that the Constellation is a duly commissioned war ship of the United States. Please telegraph reply.

Copy of paper accompanying the above telegram, 3.15 o’clock.

Respectfully submitted by—