That much of the good feeling exhibited was owing to the high standing of our Minister at the French Court, is unquestionable ; and I feel it a duty, not less incumbent than grateful, again to acknowledge the marked kindness of General Cass, and the personal and zealous exertions he never failed making, to render my visit to Paris most advantageous to the State. " ' The researches in the French was archives being completed, I returned to London and some time occupied in further investigations, and in making preparations for my return to America. The documents transcribed at Paris and in London were carefully packed, insured and shipped for New-York and my arrangements having been completed, I embarked for ;

home on the 7th July, 1844. " From this detail of proceedings, it will be perceived that the execution of my mission was '

attended with considerable embarrassment. This occurred chiefly in London, where the regulations of office were much more stringent than at the Hague or in Paris. In both these latter places there was no difficulty experienced, either in obtaining access to the archives or in procuring transcripts at reasonable rates. The price paid for copies was about eleven cents for eacii page. In London, however, as before stated, my application for permission to employ a private copyist having failed, I was obliged to pay to the regular clerks in the State Paper Office 4d. sterling for every folio of seventy-two words, or about twenty-five cents for an ordinary page transcribed. This circumstance, and the unexpectedly large number of volumes to be examined, caused me much became desirable to limit my selections embarrassment. It