Parkes to Van Valkenburgh, January 14, 1868

Mr. Parkes to Mr. Van Valkenburgh.

Sir: It will afford me much pleasure to communicate to Mr. Lowder your dispatch of this date, in which you are so good as to express your appreciation of his conduct in recovering the body of the late Rear-Admiral Bell, of the United States navy. Such sad services will doubtless at all times be willingly rendered by the officers of our respective nations without distinction as to the class or country to whom the unfortunate sufferers may belong; but in this instance the high esteem in which Rear-Admiral Bell was held by all those who had the honor and pleasure of his acquaintance will add to the satisfaction which both Mr. Lowder and myself will entertain on finding that the former should have had it in his power to render you some assistance on this melancholy occasion.

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,