HOES, Attorney of United Magdalena Steam Navigation Company to By the President: T. F. Bayard, May 16, 1885

Mr. Hoes to Mr. Bayard.

Sir: I beg leave to inclose you a press copy of a telegram which has been sent to you by the United Magdalena Steam Navigation Company after a special meeting of its board of directors, held this day, to consider the very important matters referred to in our telegram.

Our information in regard to the taking out to sea by General Gaitan of the boats of this company, which are American property, was received through Señor Becerra, minister resident at Washington of the United States of Colombia.

You will appreciate, no doubt, the very great urgency that now exists, as we believe, for your immediate action, together with that of the naval or other Departments of our Government, in the recovery by the Government of the property taken from us in violation of treaty and law.

We may have the honor, through a committee, of waiting upon you personally on Monday next; meanwhile, we respectfully urge the importance of these matters.

Respectfully,