EXECUTIVE MANSION, _January 20, 1887_.
_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:
I herewith transmit a communication addressed to me by Mr. Samuel C.
Reid, who offers to the United States the battle sword (now in my
custody) of his father, Captain Samuel Chester Reid, who commanded the
United States private armed brig _General Armstrong_ at the battle
of Fayal, in September, 1814.
I respectfully recommend that appropriate action be taken by Congress
for the acceptance of this gift.