I have no wish to impose my views upon the ambassador, or to embarrass him by asking for impossible improvements; but it is important I should impress upon him the chancellor's opinion in the case of those lumber vessels. You will see how imperative it is I should see the ambassador, if we are to have any improvement in our relations just now. I desire to discover whether the whaler's story is true, or the idle tale of a wilful impostor. I shall occupy only a quarter of an hour, and I am sure the ambassador will agree the importance of the case is well worth the time.