I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Untitled]
Agency and Consulate General of
the United States of America,
Alexandria, Egypt,
February 24, 1866.
Gentlemen: Your circular of the 27th
January was received here on the 16th. The idea which had already
been entertained of a celebration of Washington’s birthday by
Americans in Egypt, was of course strengthened by the intimation
that the day would be generally observed in the European
capitals.
A considerable number of our countrymen having returned from the Nile
voyage to Cairo a few days previously to the 22d, and most of these
being about to start thence for Syria on the morning of the 23d, and
also being myself summoned upon official business to Cairo, (which
is always the seat of government during the winter months,) that
capital was deemed the most suitable place for the celebration. The
few necessary arrangements were undertaken by a committee composed
of Messrs. Marshall Jewell, S. R. Spaulding, and Alexander Strong.
Invitations were extended to all the Americans in Egypt who were
accessible to assemble at the Hotel des Ambassadeurs in Cairo on the
evening of the 22d.
The principal parlor of the hotel happened to be in the possession of
a French gentleman, but was kindiy placed by him at my disposition
for the purposes of the evening.
With a very few exceptions all the Americans within reach of the
invitation were able to respond to it by their presence. The
company, which included ladies, was composed of Americans, or those
connected in some way with our country, with the addition of the
distinguished traveller, Mr. W. Gilford Palgrave, who, happening to
hear of the proposed observance of the day, and expressing a very
kindly interest in it, accepted an invitation to be present.
The company having assembled, upon motion and vote the agent and
consul general was called to the chair. Prayer was offered by the
Rev. George Washburn, of the American missionaries from
Constantinople. A brief address was made by the chairman, who
proposed the regular toasts voted below. In the course of the
evening brief speeches were also made by the Rev. Messrs. Atterbury,
Tiffany, and Appleton, and by Mr. Melville, and a number of
patriotic songs were sung, by the company.
The regular toasts were the following, the first two drank in silence
by the company, standing:
1. The memory of George Washington.
2. The memory of Abraham Lincoln.
3. The President of the United States.
4. His Highness the Pacha of Egypt.
Two other toasts were also proposed by the chairman, namely: “The
Queen of England,” with reference to the presence of the guest above
mentioned, and “The King of Italy,” with reference to the presence
of a lady of American parentage whose husband holds a diplomatic
appointment in the service of that sovereign. Mr. Palgrave made a
kindly and interesting speech, closing with a sentiment of cordial
compliment to the country. At the end of the evening the Rev. Mr.
Washburn proposed the health of the consul general.
The toasts were drunk in champagne, and afterwards coffee was served.
The number of the party was twenty-one; it is not often that so
numerous a gathering of Americans can be assembled here. About as
many more of our countrymen are still upon the Nile, and an equal
number again have already left Egypt this winter for Syria.
The meeting lasted until midnight, and I believe was thoroughly
enjoyed by all who were present.
Some of the details I have mentioned are no doubt superfluous, but I
have thought a description of the manner in which the anniversary
was observed here the best answer in my power to make to the request
contained in your circular. I quite agree with you in the opinion
that no day in our national calendar is more suitable for
celebration in foreign countries than Washington’s birthday.
I am, gentlemen, respectfully, your obedient servant,
