No. 232.
Mr. Blaine
to Mr. Noyes
.
Washington , April 28, 1881.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 455, of the 29th ultimo, in relation to the illness, death, and burial of Mr. Oscar de Lafayette, and informing me of your action in sending from the legation a wreath to be placed upon his coffin. You also state that the invitation from this government, for him and his family to take part in the York town centennial celebration, reached him before his death, and while he was still conscious.
In reply I have to inform you that your action in the premises is approved by this Department, and to add that the death of so warm a friend of our country, and of so worthy and able a representative of a great name, has caused deep and general regret in America.
I am, &c.,