Mr. Gresham to Sir Julian Pauncefote.

Sir: I have the pleasure to inform you that the President yesterday sent to the Senate the name of the honorable Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware, to be ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the United States near the Government of Her Britannic Majesty, and that the advice and consent of the Senate having been given thereto without the formality of reference to the Foreign Relations Committee, Mr. Bayard’s commission has been signed by the President.

I am sure you will share my gratification at this prompt response to Her Majesty’s initiative in appointing you her first ambassador to the United States, and my confidence that the step thus taken marks an important epoch in the steady growth and perpetuation of the good will that unites the two countries.

I have, etc.,

W. Q. Gresham.