Mr. Seward to Mr. Gibbs.
Washington , December 17, 1877.
Sir: I transmit a copy of a letter1 and of its accompaniments, of the 10th instant, addressed to this Department by Mr. N. B. Noland, of Ashland, Hanover County, Va., complaining of the delay of the Peruvian Government in paying the arrears claimed by him, under a contract with that Government, for the exploration of the river Amazon. Mr. Noland says that you are familiar with the subject. You will bring it to the notice of the minister of foreign affairs in the same way as is customary in cases of contract between a citizen of the United States and a delinquent foreign government. The debt seems to be one which it would comport with the honor of Peru to pay, if this can conveniently be done and without injustice to her other creditors.
I am, etc.,
- Not printed.↩