Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress with the Annual Message of the President, December 5, 1870

No. 122.

Mr. Motley to Mr. Fish.

No. 425.]

Legation of the United States, London, August 11, 1870. (Received August 24.)

Sir: I sent you a telegram on the 9th instant in these words:

“It is an authentic fact that the French government telegraphed to London yesterday to know if General Lee is here or whether he is expected. The supposition is that a military command is to be offered him.

“No news here from Prussian headquarters since Sunday evening.”

I am not aware that General Lee is in London or that he is expected here. The fact, however, that the French government should show such anxiety to obtain the assistance of military talent from so distant a quarter would seem to argue some want of confidence in the government of their armies.

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J. LOTHROP MOTLEY.