Office of the Historian

No. 250.
Mr. Hunter to Mr. Morton.

Department of State,
Washington, September 7, 1881.
No. 31.]

Sir: In the absence of the Secretary, I inclose a letter of invitation of the 3d instant from the special committee commissioned by the governor [Page 428] of New York to the delegation of the French Government, the family of Lafayette, and the descendants of the Count de Rochambeau, the Count de Grasse, and of such other general officers of the French army and fleet as served in the Yorktown campaign of 1781, extending to them the courtesies of the State. As the delegation will sail on the 24th instant, the Department will thank you to cause the inclosure to be delivered as soon as possible.

I am, &c.,

W. HUNTER.
Second Assistant Secretary.
[Inclosure in No. 31.]

Mr. King to Mr. Blaine.

Office of the French Reception Committee of the State of New York,
69 Bible House, September 3, 1881.

Sir: I have the honor herewith to inclose for the delegation of the French Government, the family of Lafayette, and the descendants of the Count de Rochambeau, the Count de Grasse, and of such other general officers of the French army and fleet who served in the Yorktown campaign in 1781, as may visit the United States to attend the centennial celebration, a proffer of the hospitalities and courtesies of the State of New York.

I request that you will cause this invitation to be forwarded to these gentlemen through the proper channel, and have the honor to be,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN A. KING,
Chairman