No. 4

I have the honor to forward a letter from Rear Admiral Hastings
expressive of his belief that it is unnecessary that local
brevet rank should be conferred on the Officer in command of the
force stationed at San Juan.

2. I have already informed Your Grace that I did not consider
my note of the 23rd of November 1868 in the light of a
public paper. It was carelessly written.

3. As regards the question at issue, it is not one of much
importance. Mr Seward, however in applying through Mr
Thornton for the indifference of the English Government to the
appointment of Major Allen seems to have recognized the
principle that the Officers Commanding the two forces on San
Juan Island should be of equal rank.

4. I must venture to adhere to the opinion I expressed as to
the propriety of this arrangement, but I learn from Admiral
Hastings that there are difficulties in carrying it out.