No. 194.

Mr. Moran to Mr. Fish

No. 120.]

Sir: I have the honor to state that Mr. Motley retired to-day from this mission, and, in accordance with the instructions contained in your dispatch No. 285 to him, placed me in charge of the legation, having previously notified Earl Granville that he had been instructed so to do on taking leave of Her Majesty’s government.

I have accordingly entered upon the discharge of the duties of the post, and I beg to express through you to the President my sincere thanks for this high proof of his confidence, and to assure him and you that I shall endeavor, while holding the responsible position, to acquit myself so as to merit his and your approval.

I have, &c.,

BENJAMIN MORAN.