Root to To The, December 6, 1872

No. 42. Mr. Root to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor herewith to inclose copies of correspondence with officers of the Chilian government relating to the necessity and feasibility of establishing a system of steam tow-boats in the Straits of Magellan; said copies are marked 1, 2, 3, 4.

The incentive to this correspondence on the part of this legation was the recent loss of the American ship Golden Hand, together with the universally-known fact that the loss of life and property in the vicinity of Cape Horn has always been very great, and the navigation in that neighborhood always must be very dangerous in every point of view; and if any means can be adopted whereby said navigation can be avoided, the interests of humanity and commerce will be greatly benefited thereby.

I trust further examination may somewhat modify the views entertained and so kindly given by the governor of Magellan in this matter.

As the shipping interest of the United States has so much to do with the navigation near Gape Horn, I trust I may be excused for laying before my Government the inclosed correspondence bearing upon that subject.

I have, &c.,