No. 123.
Mr. Fish to Sir E. Thornton.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 17th instant, in which, after reference to the fact that the Tribunal of Arbitration at Geneva, in the matter of differences between the United States of America and Her Majesty, had brought its labors to a close and had pronounced its final award, you inform me of instructions from your Government to convey to the President Her Majesty’s acknowledgments for the care and attention which Mr. Adams, the Arbitrator appointed by the President, bestowed on the important matter with which he was called upon to deal, and Her Majesty’s high appreciation of the ability and indefatigable industry which that distinguished statesman displayed during the long-protracted inquiries and discussions in which he had been engaged. Also that you are instructed to submit to the President that he would be pleased to make known Her Majesty’s sentiments, as expressed in your note, to Mr. Adams.

I have communicated the substance of your note to the President, who directs me to express the gratification with which he receives the intelligence of Her Majesty’s appreciation of the manner in which Mr. Adams, whom he had named as one of the Arbitrators, had discharged the high duties intrusted to him.

This expression which Her Majesty has been pleased to cause to be communicated will be made known to Mr. Adams immediately on his return to the United States, and will doubtless be appreciated by him as a recognition alike grateful and honorable of his efforts to act on the High Tribunal with the dignity and impartiality becoming a Judge.

I have, &c.,

HAMILTON FISH.