No. 87.
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish.
Legation of
the United States,
Paris
,
October 13, 1876.
(Received October 26.)
No. 1385.]
Sir: On the 7th of July last, Mr. Hitt had the
honor to inform the Department that a deputation from the Polish colony at
Paris had called at the legation on the 4th day of that month to state that
they were preparing an address of congratulation to the President upon the
centennial of the republic, and also a medal commemorative of the part taken
in the war of our Independence by Kosciuszko and Pulaski.
[Page 128]
The medal at that time was not yet completed, and many circumstances have
delayed its completion up to this moment. Yesterday it was brought to the
legation, by a committee selected for that purpose, and delivered to me with
the address to the President. Mr. Chas. Edmond, who spoke for the committee
and for his compatriots, made a few spirited and warm remarks appropriate to
the circumstances, to which I endeavored to respond in the same manner. I
send you with this dispatch the address and the medal, which is in bronze,
bearing on one face the portraits of Kosciuszko and Pulaski, and upon the
other that of Washington.
I also send you a copy of the remarks of Mr. Edmond and my reply thereto.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure.]
remarks of mr. chas. edmond.
In the name of the Polish emigrants I beg to deliver into your hands an
address to the President of the United States, written on the occasion
of the glorious centenary they are commemorating; also a medal,
representing by, the side of the founder of American Independence the
effigies of the two Polish heroes who fought in the ranks of the
liberating army.
Allow me at the same time to thank you for the hospitable reception which
was given on that occasion to the committee of the Polish colony and its
president by the legation of the United States.
reply of mr. washburne.
Gentlemen: I shall take pleasure in complying
with your desire that I shall transmit to the President of the United
States an address written on the occasion of the one hundredth
anniversary of American Independence, as well as the medal representing
the founder of that independence, in conjunction with the two Polish
heroes, Kosciuszko and Pulaski, who illustrated their heroism and
bravery in the ranks of the Revolutionary Army, and the first of whom
sealed with his blood his demotion to the cause of liberty and human
rights. In awaiting an answer from the President, I feel authorized to
assure you that he will be deeply touched by the address and the medal
which you do him the honor to send him, for, in common with all the
American people,, he cherishes the memories of your noble compatriots
with pride and gratitude.
Thanking you, gentlemen, for the honor you have done me in making me your
intermediary on this occasion, I beg to share your hopes for the
establishment of liberty and justice throughout the civilized world.
