Mr. Olney to Lord Gough.

My Dear Viscount: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 6th ultimo concerning the case of James Bain, a British subject, formerly purser of the British steamship Engineer, wherein you suggest the payment by this Government of £500 “as a voluntary grant of compensation for injuries received by said Bain at New Orleans, in March last, during a labor disturbance there.”

In reply I have to say that the authorities of the State of Louisiana have been requested to furnish information as to the circumstances attending this affair, as developed by the investigation of the grand jury; also as to the prosecution and punishment of the guilty parties. When a report is received the Department will communicate with you further in regard to this matter.

Believe me, etc.,

Richard Olney.