Mr. Olney to Mr. Terrell.
Washington, January 4, 1896.
Sir: Your Nos. 705 and 709, of December 4 and 5, respectively, in regard to the destruction of American property at Harpoot, have been received. With the former you inclosed a statement of the American losses, which foot up $87,985, and with the latter a letter from Rev. Mr. Barnum, which circumstantially shows the connivance of the higher military officers at Harpoot in the attack on the Christian quarter and their responsibility for the unchecked destruction of the American buildings.
The Department approves your announced intention to demand indemity for these losses and those at Marash as soon as the amount of the latter is known.
I am, etc.,