Mr. Peirce to Mr. Fish
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, yesterday, of your dispatches Nos. 37 and 38; the latter inclosing copy of a lettter from the honorable Secretary of the Navy, addressed to the State Department, dated 13th February, on the subject of my dispatch to you, No. 93, relative to the wreck of the United States vessel Saginaw, and instructing me to convey the thanks of the United States Government to His Hawaiian Majesty, to Mr. Hutchison, member of his cabinet, and to [Page 566] Judge Hartwell, of the supreme court, for aid and assistance rendered by them to the officers and crew of the Saginaw. Likewise, to make compensation to the man Peter, or other natives, who rendered kind service to Halford.
Inclosed herewith is copy of a letter from this legation, addressed to the Hawaiian minister of foreign affairs, written in compliance with your instructions, but omitting the name of Judge Hartwell, at his request. Payments which may be made to Peter or others, will be reported to you hereafter.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.