Fuad to E. Joy Morris, May 20, 1868

[Translation.]

I have received the note which you were pleased to address me the 18th instant, and by which you express the wish that permission may be exceptionally given to the frigate Franklin, bearing the flag of Admiral Farragut, to pass the straits of the Dardanelles to Constantinople.

As you have been pleased to recognize in the said note, the existing treaties have established the principle of the closing of the straits. Although the dimensions of the vessel in question exceed the limits expressly fixed by the treaty of Paris, his Majesty the Sultan, my august sovereign, desirous nevertheless of giving proof of his deferential regard for a distinguished personage of the great American republic, has been pleased for this purpose, and in a manner altogether exceptional, to grant the permission asked for the passage of the frigate Franklin.

In informing you, sir, that instructions in this sense have been sent by telegraph to the Dardanelles, I beg you to take note of the exceptional character of the granted authorization.

Accept, Mr. Minister resident, the assurance of my perfect consideration.