Walker, John Grimes, 1835-1907 to Thomas Gibbons

Glad to receive a copy of the "Rainbow," a paper published aboard the U.S. Flagship Rainbow. Thanks him for box of cigars, though he says he does not smoke regularly, as well as for a photograph of himself and one of Gibbons taken in Hong Kong. Says, "Canal matters are waiting upon a treaty with Colombia for rights, privileges and concessions necessary before the Government can undertake the construction of a canal to connect the two oceans. How soon, if at all, a satisfactory treaty can be had no one can tell. If a suitable treaty is made and acted upon by the Senate, I have no doubt that the President will move promptly and that the preliminary work will begin almost immediately." Describes his family and where his children and grandchildren are staying. Comments, "I now have six grandchildren and begin to feel that I must be growing old." Mentions his wife's recovery from illness. Declares that he is out of touch with naval matters, since he has been consumed with canal matters. Mentions a Paymaster Whitehouse, who has been spending time in Europe with his family.