Mr. Perry to Mr. Hunter
Sir: The Bey has this day formally announced his decision to send an envoy to Washington with his portrait and with his felicitations on the abolition of slavery and the establishment of peace. The Bey expressed the hope that I would deign to accompany his envoy; to which delicate invitation I expressed a willingness to do all in my power to gratify his Highness. I stated that I could go only with the consent of my government. I assured his Highness that my government would do its utmost to gratify him, but that nearly two months would be required to communicate with it. He said his envoy would be ready to leave in three or four weeks, but could not well go without me.
As the telegraph is now complete from here to the continent, by way of Sicily, and as time is important, I suggest that a telegram be sent from Paris as early as possible. The expense of a short despatch does not exceed eight francs. If leave of absence is granted me, I will consider myself authorized to make the best arrangements possible for the discharge of the duties of this office during my absence.
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Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William Hunter, Acting Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.