No. 375.
Mr. Drummond to Mr. Blaine.
Sir: I have noticed in the reports given to the press, of the centennial proceedings at Yorktown, the delicate and graceful words made use of yesterday by the President of the United States in his speech on that historical ground, with reference to my sovereign and my countrymen, as also the great courtesy to be rendered, by the President’s order, to the British flag, for the reasons which were so beautifully expressed therein—
As a mark of profound respect entertained by the American people to the Queen, and in recognition of the friendly relations so long and happily existing between Great Britain and the United States.
Sir, I feel personally much impressed with these marked feelings of respect and so touching words uttered for the Queen and my country, and I cannot refrain from doing myself the honor to express through you to the President and to the United States Government, in my official character as representative of Great Britain, my warmest thanks for the delicate attentions shown by them on the occasion of celebrating an incident which separated our two countries one hundred years ago, but which, however, I am proud to say, has never separated them [Page 597] in their mutual honorable respect and admiration for each other; and I will here assure you, as I have already done privately, that nothing but feelings of hearty good-will towards the United States is entertained by Great Britain.
I shall not fail to inform my government of these beautiful incidents which have taken place. My sovereign and her people will warmly appreciate the kindly spirit evinced and the honors paid to my country at Yorktown.
In offering my best wishes for the welfare and prosperity of the United States and my confident hope that the friendship of our two countries may remain enduring through all time,
I have, &c.,