Office of the Historian

No. 122.
protocol.

Paris, May 26, 1873. (Received June 20.)

[Received from toe Marquis de Noailles June 19. 1873.—Translation.]

Marquis: The Assembly, in which is vested the national sovereignty, received, in its session of the 24th instant, the resignation of M. Thiers, and intrusted the office and dignity of the President of the French Republic to Marshal MacMahon, Duke of Magenta. I hasten to notify you of this solemn act, and to request you to bring it to the knowledge of the Government near which you reside. Entertaining a most earnest desire to see friendly relations drawn closer between France and foreign powers, the government is determined, as it has proclaimed, to maintain peace at home and to uphold the principles on which society rests.

I beg you to express, in the name of the French Republic, the assurance of the best wishes of its government for the strengthening of the friendly relations between France and the United States, and of its firm intention to contribute, by all the means in its power, to the consolidation of universal peace.

Receive, &c.

BROGLIE.

The Marshal de MacMahon, Duke of Magenta, President of the French Republic, to the President of the United States of America.

Great and Good Friend: The assembly, the depository of the national sovereignty, received, during its session of the 24th instant, the resignation of M. Thiers, the President of the republic, and conferred upon me, in his stead, the same office and dignity. I hasten to bring this double vote to your knowledge. You cannot doubt that I will study to develop the friendly relations between the two countries, and to maintain, with internal and external peace, the great principles of order on which society is based. I think myself happy in having an opportunity to give you these assurances, and I hope for a reciprocation of these sentiments on your part.

Praying God to have you in His safe and holy keeping, I offer to you, great and good friend, the assurance of my high esteem.

Written at Versailles May 31, 1873.

MARSHAL de MacMAHON,
Duke of Magenta.

Countersigned:
Broglie.