John Welsh to To the Hon. William M. Evarts, June 17, 1879
No. 198. Mr. Welsh to Mr. Evarts.
No. 298.]
Sir: Referring to your dispatch No. 258, of the 25th of March last, concerning the seizure, in the harbor of Zanzibar, of three negroes from on board the American whaling-bark Laconia, on the ground of their being slaves, by order of Captain Earle, senior naval officer of the British fleet on that station, I have the honor to inform you that, immediately upon its receipt, I addressed to Lord Salisbury a note containing the substance of your dispatch, and transmitting copies of its inclosures. I inclose a copy of that note. I inclose also a copy of a note from Lord Salisbury, acknowledging its receipt, and I inclose a copy of his final reply, stating the disapproval of the British Government of Captain Earle’s action, expressing regret at its occurrence, and requesting that this expression should be conveyed to the United States Government.
I have, &c.,