Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 6, 1880

No. 554.
Mr. Hoffman to Mr. Evarts.

Legation of the United States,
St. Petersburg, February 24, 1880. (Received March 13.)

No. 186.]

Sir: I had the honor to receive from you on the 21st instant a telegram in the following words:

Washington, February 20, 1880.

Communicate to Russian Government the President’s hearty congratulations and joy upon the providential escape of the Emperor and imperial family, and his horror at the sacrifice of life which the wicked attempt has caused.

On the same day I telegraphed as follows:

Hon. Wm. M. Evarts,
Secretary of State:

Telegram received; congratulations communicated.

In accordance with your instructions, I addressed a note to Prince Gortchakoff on the 21st instant, a copy of which I have the honor to inclose.

On the 23d instant I received his reply, a copy and translation or which I also inclose.

* * * * * * *

I have, &c.,

WICKHAM HOFFMAN.

[Inclosure 1 in No. 186.]

Mr. Hoffman to Prince Gortchakoff

Legation of the United States,
St. Petersburg, February 9–21, 1880.

Prince: I did not fail to communicate to my government the news of the infamous attempt of the 5th-17th instant upon the life His Majesty the Emperor. I am now in receipt of Mr. Evarts’ reply. He instructs me to convey to His Majesty, through your highness, the President’s hearty congratulations and joy upon the providential escape of His Majesty and the imperial family, and his horror at the sacrifice of life which the wicked attempt has caused.

I beg to join my own hearty congratulations to those of the President.

I take, &c.,

WICKHAM HOFFMAN.

[Inclosure 2 in No. 186.—Translation.]

Mr. de Giers to Mr. Hoffman

St. Petersburg, February 11–23, 1880.

Sir: The chancellor of the empire did not fail to bring to the knowledge of the Emperor the contents of the note you were kind enough to address to him on the 9th-21st February instant.

His Majesty was much touched by the sentiments expressed by the President of the United States on the occasion of the happy preservation of his days, and appreciated also the congratulations which you added on your own behalf.

Receive, sir, &c.,

GIERS.