No. 56.
Mr. Evarts
to Mr. Putnam.
Washington, September 7, 1880.
Sir: A note has been received from the chargé d’affaires ad interim of Belgium in this country, conveying an invitation to this government to nominate one or more delegates to attend the international congress of commerce and industry which assembles this month at Brussels. No provision having been made by Congress to meet the invitation by a direct appointment associated with compensation, I have simply to state that you will be and are hereby authorized to take part in the proposed congress (at your own discretion) in sufficient representation of the United States, and to associate with you therein Mr. Wilson, consul at Brussels, should he consent. If preferred, Mr. Wilson can act as the sole delegate.
I am, &c.,