The _Resolute_, a vessel, as
the President remembers, formerly belonging to Her Majesty's navy,
having been abandoned in the arctic region, was discovered and brought
to the United States by American seamen, and thereupon was purchased by
this Government of her sailors, repaired, and returned to Great Britain.
On her arrival in England the vessel was received by the Queen in
person, and the officers of the United States Navy who took the ship
thither were treated with every official and personal courtesy.
The Government of Her Majesty has now given the _Alert_ to the
United States unconditionally, with her anchors, chains, and such of her
equipment as can be utilized.
Recognizing this graceful and opportune act of courtesy on the part of
Her Majesty's Government, the undersigned to-day instructed Mr. Lowell
as follows, by telegraph:
"Her Majesty's Government having presented to the Government of the
United States the ship _Alert_ to aid in the relief of Lieutenant
Greely and his party, you will inform the secretary of state for foreign
affairs that the spirit which prompts this act of generosity, and this
evidence of sympathy with the object in view, receives the highest
appreciation of the President, as it will that of the people of the
United States.
Pages:
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377