68.
delivered on board the United States'
A
Amur "Protraitor" to Captain In Colney. I regret the necessity I am under to trouble Your Excellency in this matter, but despairing of assistance from those whose duty it is to render me aid, I apply to you as a last resort.
Am
I likewise beg permission to state that I have been informed that the fine inflicted upon Captain Erastus N. Nichols, Master of the American barque "Render", has been paid. By whom it has been paid I have not learned; but I am authorized by Captain M. Olney and Captain Nichols to declare that neither of these gentlemen authorized, nor were they cognizant of its payment. Against the payment of that fine, with all deference to the opinion of Your Excellency, and the other officials of this
Colony, as the Representative of my country in this Port, I always have, and still do protest.
I remain, &c.,
(Signed) James Keenan
U.S. Consul.
True Copy
Municipal
Colonial Secretary
Secretary.
69. 204