No. 446.
Mr. Smyth
to Mr. Evarts.
Monrovia, April 13, 1880. (Received May 19.)
Sir: I have the honor to advise the Department of the arrival, on Sunday, April 11, 1880, at the port of Monrovia, of M. Jules Thierry, captain commanding the frigate Talisman.
[Page 706]The French consul being absent from Monrovia, at Lagas, Captain Thierry requested of me advice as to how he should proceed to have an interview with the President of Liberia.
I took pleasure in acceding to his request by giving the desired information. The preliminaries being settled, Monday, April 12, at 11 o’clock a.m., was fixed as the time for the reception or interview by the President.
The captain and suite, consisting of six officers, came to the United States legation a short time before the hour named for the interview and at his request I accompanied him to the executive mansion, and presented him to the honorable the secretary of state, who presented the captain and suite to the President.
The captain informed the President that he had been instructed by the admiral of the republic of France to salute the Liberian flag, and to express to the President his best wishes for the prosperity of the republic of Liberia.
In addition, the captain proffered his good offices to perform any commission the President might give to him anywhere upon the Liberian coast, and in ardent language hoped for the success of Liberia.
On leaving the President, Captain Thierry and suite returned to the legation and enjoyed a cup of Liberian coffee.
* * * * * * *
On Tuesday, April 13, 1880, the Talisman weighed anchor for Gaboon, her destination.
I have, &c.,