Office of the Historian

No. 238.
Mr. Blaine to Mr. Noyes.

Department of State,
Washington, June 24, 1881.
No. 387.]

Sir: I am informed by the Secretary of the Navy, under date of 21st instant, that orders have been sent to Rear-Admiral John G. Howell, commanding the United States naval force on the European station, directing him to give passage in the United States flag-ship “Trenton” to certain persons who visit the United States in pursuance of the invitation of this government to attend the celebration at Yorktown, Va., on the 19th of October next, in commemoration of the surrender of the British army under Lord Cornwallis to the American and French forces in 1781.

It is desired that you will communicate to Rear-Admiral Howell at as early a date as practicable the names of the persons who are to be received as guests on the Trenton. You will accordingly inquire of Mr. Barthélemy St. Hilaire whether any of the representatives of the French Government will accept the hospitality thus tendered, and you will make like inquiry of the members of the family of Lafayette.

In this connection I beg you will take an early occasion to send to the Marquis de Rochambeau the inclosed personal letter, in which I convey to him the assurance of the pleasure it would afford the President, as well as myself, to have him visit the United States on this interesting occasion. If the marquis should so desire, the hospitalities of Admiral Howell may be extended to him likewise.

The “Trenton” will leave Nice on or about the 18th of September next. You will take care to notify Admiral Howell in ample season of the day on which his guests may be expected to repair, on board the “Trenton” at Nice.

I am, &c.,

JAMES G. BLAINE.
[Inclosure in No. 387.]

Mr. Blaine to the Marquis de Rochambeau.

Department of State,
Washington, June 23, 1881.

Monsieur: As the time for celebrating by the mutual co-operation of the two governments the glorious deeds of a century ago at Yorktown is drawing near I cannot refrain from addressing you personally, and expressing the great pleasure it would afford the President and myself were you to make it convenient to be among us on that eventful occasion, and to realize for yourself, as the representative of your illustrious lineage, the love which the American people feel for the memory of your gallant ancestor, whose skill and valor so signally aided in bringing about the decisive success we are now about to commemorate.

Accept, monsieur le marquis, the expression of my sentiments of high regard,

JAMES G. BLAINE.