Sir,
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 6th september last, addressed to the Honorable A. V. Parsons secretary of this Commonwealth, informing him that in November 1842 and January 1843, you had transmitted to his Excellency David R. Porter for the library of this State certain valuable books obtained from the ministers of the several departments of the French government, and desiring an Acknowledgement of their receipt.
It is a cause of sincere regret that your Kind attention and that of the heads of the departments of the government of France has not since received the acknowledgement which it so highly merits. This has not been owing to an improper appreciation of its value, but to circumstances which I trust are sufficient to exculpate the government of this state from the charge of wilful neglect.
The books transmitted in 1842 arrived here at the time that Mr Persons was about to retire from the office of secretary of state. They were placed in the state's library and upon my assuming the duties or the office in february 1843 their receipt did not come under my observation. Those sent in January et February 1843 remained in the custom house at New-York until a short time ago when they were forwarded by the collector of Customs at Philadelphia, who had received information that they were remaining in New-York. When these arrived they were immediatly placed in the state's library, there was not any letter accompanying them stating by whom they had been forwarded.
I request that you will receive this explanation and if you deem it necessary, communicate it to the ministers of the departments of France interested in it. It is desired that the ministers may not entertain the belief that their attention is improperly understood by the authorities of this state.
It is hoped that our legislature stimulated by a sense of your very valuable efforts will adopt measures to reciprocate the kindness and aid in your laudable exertion to promote the friendship at present happily existing between the people of France and those of the United States.
Annexed is a list of the books received from Paris and in the library of the state.
Agreeable to your request I send herewith letters of acknowledgement, addressed to the ministers of finances, war, navy, justice and commerce.
I have the honor to be, with profound regard your obedient servant.
Chas. Mc Clure,
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.