THOMPSON, Secretary of the Navy to Evarts, October 25, 1877

Mr. Thompson to Mr. Evarts.

Sir: The valuable collections of articles prepared by the Government of Siam, and presented by His Majesty the King to the Government of the United States, through Rear-Admiral Reynolds, of the United States Navy, for exhibition at Philadelphia, have been placed under the care of the Smithsonian Institution, properly catalogued and labeled. They remain in an excellent state of preservation, and will be kept, at all times subject to public inspection, as evidence of the generosity of the. Siamese King and Government.

The Navy Department, in whose charge these articles were placed, in obedience to the instructions of the President, desires to express, through the Department of State, to the King and Government of Siam, the high appreciation in which the Government of the United States holds the liberality which has prompted this magnificent donation. While it will add greatly to the interest and value of its national cabinet, it will serve to show that the King and Government of Siam entertain the highest respect for the people and Government of the United States, and that in all our intercourse with the people and Government of Siam we may expect that just, courteous, and dignified treatment which characterizes the most advanced and progressive nations.

The President has directed me to request that you will communicate a copy of this letter to the King of Siam.

I have, &c.,