No. 252.
Mr. Morton
to Mr. Blaine.
Legation of
the United States,
Paris, October 5, 1881.
(Received October 21.)
No. 46.]Sir: With reference to my dispatch No. 39, of date
September 23, which contained the names of the representatives of the French
Government, and also of the members of the families of Rochambeau and
Lafayette, who, on invitation of our government, attend the centennial
celebration of the surrender of Yorktown, I have now the honor to inclose a
communication from the Senator, Mr. Edmond de Lafayette, in which he
expresses deep regret at not being able to be present himself at this great
international reunion, but refers to the representation of his family in the
persons of his nephews.
I have here to correct a mistake contained my dispatch No. 25, which referred
to Colonel Mason, who is, in fact, a captain. This gentleman, a naturalized
Frenchman, is the son of the former American minister to France, John Y.
Mason, esq., of Virginia, who died at his post in 1859.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure in No.
46.—Translation.]
M. de Lafayette to
Mr. Morton.
Monsieur Le Ministre: I learn that the
representatives of the French Republic Bent to be present at the
celebration of the centenary, have just embarked. I would
[Page 430]
have greatly desired to join
them, but, for some time, I am a sufferer, and the state of my health
does not permit me to undertake this journey. I feel in consequence deep
sorrow. My nephews, happier than myself, leave with the French mission;
they are devoted adherents to their country, and the Lafayette family
will have in them young and worthy representatives. I cannot express too
deeply my regret that I am unable to accompany them. Would you kindly be
the interpreter to your government, and to Congress, of all my regrets.
It would have been very agreeable to me to see again your great and
beautiful country, in which I received, twenty years ago, so nattering
and cordial an hospitality in memory of the name of Lafayette, the
friend and the companion in arms of Washington.
Please accept, Monsieur le Ministre, the assurance of my very
distinguished consideration.
- EDMOND de LAFAYETTE.
- Senator CHAVAIGNAC.
September 29,
1881.
