No. 302.
Baron Blanc to Mr. Evarts.
Washington, March 4, 1878. (Received March 6.)
Sir: I am instructed to convey, through you, the expression of the gratitude of His Majesty the King, my august sovereign, to his excellency the President of the United States, for his presence at the funeral service that was held at Washington in memory of King Victor Emanuel II.
I have also received instructions to inform you how deeply my government has been touched by the part taken in this ceremony by the cabinet, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court, the Army, the Navy, and other distinguished bodies.
The private testimonies have also been highly appreciated which have been rendered by the American people, on this painful occasion, to the Italian nation, and which have been shown in so lofty a form, among others, in a beautiful poem by Mr. Bayard Taylor, which has been placed in the hands of His Majesty.
These noble manifestations of sympathy with the grief that has afflicted the royal family and the Italian nation have met with an echo of gratitude and affection in Italy, and the exchange of such sentiments cannot fail to draw still closer the bonds which unite the two countries.
I should be obliged to you, Mr. Secretary of State, if you would be pleased to transmit this expression of thanks to the presiding officers of both houses of Congress, to the officers of the Army and Navy, and to the other dignitaries whom I cannot address directly.
I avail, &c.,