Charles C. Marsh to Hamilton Fish, February 26, 1872

No. 244. Mr. Marsh to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your instruction No. 333, dated February 6, 1872, in relation to the case of the American brig Shamrock, lost at the entrance of the port of Genoa, a few weeks since. The case was reported to me by the consulate-general immediately after the loss of the ship. The statement-of the consul at Genoa being unsupported by evidence, and not being as full and clear as, seemed to me necessary, I requested further information and affidavits from the officers of the ship. These were furnished, but the testimony did not seem to me by any means conclusive against the health-officers of the port, and it left many points very insufficiently explained. At the same time I thought it very important that an investigation should take place before the crew of the vessel were dispersed, and I requested Mr. Wurts to prepare a note to the ministry of foreign affairs, asking an inquiry into the circumstances, and inclosing copies of the testimony received. To this note no reply has yet been received.

I am, &c.,