No. 230.
Mr. Noyes
to Mr. Blaine
.
Paris , March 29, 1881. (Received April 13.)
Sir: Only a few days since I took great pleasure in forwarding to Mr. Oscar de Lafayette the invitation for him and his family to take part in the celebration of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at York-town. He was then seriously, but not supposed to be dangerously, ill. To-day, as one of the pall-bearers, I followed him to his grave. His death was sudden and unexpected.
M. de Lafayette and his family were deeply touched by the invitation of our government, and all expressed to me their profound gratitude. I take a mournful satisfaction in the fact that the invitation reached M. de Lafayette before his death, and while he was still conscious.
I sent from this legation a beautiful wreath, to be placed upon the coffin.
The funeral mass was attended by an immense concourse of people, and by a great number of the dignitaries of the state, and the service was a most impressive one.
The only remaining member of the family having the name of Lafayette is Edmond de Lafayette, senator, brother of the deceased. There are many other relatives not bearing the same name.
I have, &c.,