Mr. Gresham to Mr. Tripp.

No. 85.]

Sir: I have to inform you that Mr. Townsend’s dispatch No. 86½, of the 1st instant, inclosing copies of correspondence relative to the refusal of Mr. Schlessing, the U.S. consular agent at Haida, to deliver certain property to the officers of the district court, has been received.

In reply I have to say that Mr. Townsend’s course in regard to the matter in question is fully approved by the Department.

I am, etc.,

W. Q. Gresham.