_To his Excellency Governor Pickens_:
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
communication, and say that, under the circumstances, I have deemed
it proper to refer the whole matter to my Government, and intend
deferring the course I indicated in my note this morning until the
arrival from Washington of such instructions as I may receive.
I have the honor also to express the hope that no obstructions will
be placed in the way, and that you will do me the favor of giving
every facility for the departure and return of the bearer, Lieut.
T. TALBOT, who is directed to make the journey.