Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Third Session of the Fortieth Congress

Mr. Hunter to Mr. Pruyn.

No. 24.]

Department of State, Washington, October 21, 1868.

Sir: I have received your dispatch No. 31, of September 21. In it you call attention to a proposition made by the government of Venezuela in reference to the payment of the claims held by foreigners against that government.

Inasmuch as Venezuela declares itself to be not yet in a position for carrying out its proposition for the assignment of customs duties as communicated in your No. 19, the consideration of the proposal will be deferred until it shall have been renewed or modified by that government.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

W. HUNTER, Acting Secretary.

Erastus C. Pruyn, Esq., &c., &c., &c.